Beatrice Anna Baker, Beloved mother, grandmother, and friend peacefully entered the blessed eternal life of our Heavenly Father on January 24, 2008. Bea’s loving inspiration and smile will be profoundly missed.

Bea was born April 29, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA to Ernest and Beatrice Rhodes.

After high school, Bea graduated as registered nurse from the Episcopal Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA in 1941. As WWII broke out, she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and her unit, 96th General Hospital, was shipped out to Malvern Wells, England. Three years later at the end of the war, Bea, a first lieutenant, returned to the U.S. She remained in contact with her army service friends through annual reunions and was a long time member of The American Legion, Service Girls Post 204, in Seattle, WA. Later in life, Bea returned to her nursing career working with patients at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA.

In England, Bea met her future husband Blair Baker a captain in the hospital unit who she married in 1946. They first made their home in the San Francisco area, and later moved to Seattle. Bea and Blair were married for over 50 years until Blair’s passing in 1997.

Bea was dedicated to her family and providing a loving home. She enjoyed a variety of family activities from cub scouts to camping and boating. Her love of cooking led her to have a wonderful collection of cookbooks and recipes. Music was another special interest of Bea’s and she enjoyed playing the organ and being a member of the church choir. Bea particularly liked meeting and getting to know people as well as helping with church activities.

Bea is survived by her son Ronald Baker Richland, WA; son Paul Baker Los Angeles, CA; granddaughter, Angela Baker Pasco, WA; grandson Aaron Baker Boston, MA and niece, Eileen Linn Bakersfield, CA.

The family would like to sincerely thank all those who helped care for Bea in the last eight years, especially: Heather and Terry at “From the Heart,” Faith and the staff at Richland Rehabilitation Center, the compassionate staff of the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, and Dr Erick Isaacson for his continued very special care. Mathew 25:36

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tri Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House 2108 W Entiat, Kennewick, WA or Bea’s home church Maplewood Presbyterian Church, 19523 84th Ave. W, Edmonds, WA.

A memorial service will be held at the Maplewood Presbyterian Church, Edmonds, WA at later time to be announced.