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Sophia Louise Baker
02/15/1918 — 01/09/2010
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Westfield, MA
Sophia Louise Baker
On January 9th Sophia Louise Baker passed away peacefully with her daughter Mary at her side at the age of 91. With her passing we have lost another of America's Greatest Generation. Louise was truly a remarkable woman. Born in Westfield, Massachusetts in 1918 to Polish immigrant parents Louise exemplified a generation that sought to make the world a better place through hard work, determination and compassion. Louise attended nursing school in New England and shortly thereafter joined the Navy. At her station in Pearl Harbor she tended to the attack's survivors, helping them recover from their injuries. During a brief afternoon of relaxation while on station in Hawaii she was nearly swept out to sea by a riptide. A young sailor saved her life; since that time Louise, although an officer in the Navy, was never a fan of being in or on the water.
After leaving the Navy Louise joined the National Institutes for Health NIH in Washington, D.C. as a member of the Public Health Service, there she continued her life's work caring for others, eventually becoming Nursing Director for the Neurology Department. With a Masters Degree and years of Navy experience she had become an exceptional nurse, mentor, and role model for the nursing staff.
It was while in Washington that Louise met and married George Baker. A year later their only child, Mary was born in D.C.; Louise was 41. Continuing to buck tradition Louise returned to work at NIH, finishing up her career in public service nearly a decade later.
After retiring from the Public Health Service Louise spent many years enjoying her hobbies, traveling, volunteering, and hanging out with her sister Josephine and her brother Joe. She lived for a few years in Westfield, several in Annapolis, and finally settled in Florida with her brother and sister. Joe eventually returned home to Massachusetts to be with his kids, and when Josephine passed away Louise moved to Richland to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. In the few years that she was here in Richland Louise enjoyed a couple of major events, the marriage of her granddaughter Kristin and the graduation of her grandson Steven from Richland High. Louise grew to enjoy the sunshine, the views of Rattlesnake and the surrounding hills, visiting with her grandkids and perhaps best of all sitting on the couch with a dog on each side of her looking out over the Columbia River.
Louise maintained her independence to the end, living in her own apartment at Wynnwood Assisted Living Center where she got to know many residents and was well cared for by the staff.
Louise is survived by her daughter Mary Ceto, her son-in-law Nick Ceto, grandson Steven Ceto, and granddaughter Kristin Galioto and her husband Eric.
Consistent with Louise's wishes no memorial service will be held but those want to leave a message of remembrance or note to the family are encouraged to do so at the einansfuneralhome.com web site. In lieu of flowers any donations in remembrance of Louise would be gratefully received by Pet Over Population Prevention in Louise's name. Their address is P.O. Box 442, Pasco, Washington, 99301-0442.
Mary, Nick, Kristin, and Steven,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mary, the few times I have met your mom she was lovely to me. You have been a wonderful daughter to her. From all the stories I hear she was both a dedicated mom and grandmother. She will be sorely missed. She had an incredibly long Blessed life! Again, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
In His Name,
Cheryl
Dear Mary:
There’s no hurt like the hurt that comes when you lose your Mom. I will be giving my Mom an extra hug in remembrance of your Mom next time I see her. And I look forward to giving you real hugs, instead of the virtual hugs I’ve been sending you, when we get together on Wednesday.
You and Nick and the kids are in my thoughts. I hope your grief is interspersed with the knowledge of a life well-lived and many laughter-filled memories.
Love, Marla
Grandma Baker will always be remembered in my heart. I only met her a few times, but she was always a pleasure to be around when Kristin and I would visit. She was quite the star at our wedding 2.5 years ago with my family, known as the “sweet little grandma”. Mary and Nick, I’m very sorry for your loss.
Love
Eric Galioto
Thanks for taking the time to share your memories of Louise. She was a great lady and will be missed by her family and many friends. We invite you to share your memories and stories. Thanks. Mary and Nick
Thanks for taking the time to visit this site. Please feel free to share your thoughts, memories and stories about Louise. Mary, Nick, Steven, and Kristin.
Mary, I only met your mom a few times, but I remember her as such a gentle spirit. I have memories of her holding Douglas or was it Kristin? as a tiny baby in VT, cradling that new little life lovingly in her arms. I didn’t have many opportunities to spend time with Louise, but always felt a connection with her. I know it was difficult for you when you lived so far apart, and I’m so grateful that she was able to be such a part of your family these last few years. I spoke with Nick awhile back and he told me that Louise was at your house watching old videos of the kids. What a gift that must have been for her, and how great that she got to spend so much time with you at the end. She loved you very much, Mary; that was always obvious, and I know that you will miss her. I hope that your many memories of times you shared will give you comfort when you are feeling sad. Know that we are all thinking of you all. Love, Lynn, Tom, Douglas, Courtney & Jason
Dear Mary, Nick, Kristen and Stephen,
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Your mother’s life is an inspiration to both women and mothers. Please know you are in our thoughts during this time of grief.
We look forward to seeing you soon,
Love Stefanie, Douglas, Hunter, Isabella and Nicholas
I will always remember my grandma as having the sunniest disposition no matter what the situation. The delight with which she greeted my family and I every time we visited her or picked her up to come see the dogs was just so genuine, my heart would melt a little inside. Grandma’s quirky remarks and innocent frankness always put a smile on my face, and I’m very grateful to have had her with us in Richland over these past few years to brighten up each of my visits home from college not to mention that she made me look like quite the studly gentleman as I escorted her to our table at Anthony’s. I will never stop missing you, Grandma, and I promise I’ll “stay outta trouble” for ya.
Love,
Steven
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. I will never forget how much I enjoyed spending time with Louise during Kristin’s graduation weekend. It was amazing to me how much energy Louise had and it was apparent how proud she was of all of you. She loved the way you all took such great care of her! She told wonderfully vivid stories and truly had a sparkle in her eyes! Louise led a full life, worked hard and helped many people along the way. She has a beautiful daughter who seems to be following in her mom’s footsteps by caring for people each and every day in her own nursing career. Louise will missed by many but remember to hold tight to your memories for comfort, lean on your family and friends for strength and remember how much you are loved.
Love and God Bless,
Rob, Joyce, Jeffrey, Michael and Tyler
I will miss my Grandmother very much. She was a kind, caring woman- the best grandma a kid could ask for. Over the years, she sent me many letters, making an effort to keep in touch. She also paid my way through college, which I will always be thankful for. I am glad she was able to see me graduate from high school and attend my wedding. I only wish she could be here to see me through the other important milestones of my life. I will be sure to tell my children that they had a wonderful great-grandmother, whom I loved very much. As she requested, we should all pop open a bottle of wine riesling was her favorite and toast to her memory!
We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to know such a truly wonderful person.
She had an outstanding personality and made friends very easily. When you were in her presence for the first time,she made you feel like you were old friends.
Marge and I will always cherish our time with her and give thanks to her for all the good she has done for the world…both in peace and in time of war.
We will always have fond memories of her.
Mary, Children and Relatives:
Louise and I were in the armed services when the rumbling of war approached our shores. We were given a service award for this time period known as the American Defense Medal – Jokingly, it was referred to as “The I Saw It Coming Medal”.
It took a special lady like Louise to give so willingly in such a difficult time in our history. She was professionally prepared for a tough tour in W.W.II and later.
Louise was such a cheerful, friendly person to meet and “Howdy” with. A truly Good Citizen.
When Tom Brokaw wrote his book, Louise Baker stood high on those in “The Greatest Generation”.
Proud to have known her –
Dear Mary,
We have never had the pleasure of meeting you but your Mom, whom we knew as Pauline, often spoke of you, Nick, Kristin and Steven. We befriended her and your Aunt Josephine when they moved to Port Charlotte, Florida. Your Uncle Joe was our next door neighbor and we saw the “girls” often when they came to visit him and Gerry. In fact, she and Jo lived in Joe’s house while awaiting the contruction of their beautiful new homes not far away. Pauline always brought a smile to our faces and her laugh was infectious. She called our Mom, who was only two years younger, “Kiddo” and they enjoyed many a lunch together in town with Jo. When both our moms went their separate ways to be closer to family, we kept in touch with Pauline by phone and cards – most recently at Christmastime. So it was a shock to learn of her passing when we recently tried to call her for her birthday. We will all miss hearing her cheerful voice and good sense of humor. Please accept our deepest condolences and kindly extend them to your family and your Uncle Joe.
Maria Hillinger and daughters, Ina Long Minnesota & Ria Hudson Colorado
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Sophia Louise Baker