Sadly, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 102 years young, Geraldine “Gerry” Baker, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away in her sleep at St. Boniface Hospital.
Gerry will be lovingly remembered by her son Les; grandchildren Steven (Bonnie), Bryan (Kristin), Scott (Jess) and Andrew (Jenn); great-grandchildren Rylie, Jada, Seth, Karys, Amy, Zoey, Logan, James and Delylah; family friend Karen; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband Dave; daughter Pam; daughter-in-law Lylene; son-in-law Jack; sisters Bessie and Millie, and brother Bert.
Gerry was born in Winnipeg on January 27, 1921 in the home of her paternal grandparents by a midwife, and was raised in both Pelly and Kamsack Saskatchewan. As a young woman, she was en route to Windsor, Ontario to attend nursing school and made a short stop in Winnipeg. It was there where she met her husband Dave on a blind date at the Half Moon, and landed her first job at Wolch’s Department Store, beginning her life-long career in retail. They were married in Winnipeg on Halloween in 1943, and with Dave in the Navy, they moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia where Pam was born in 1945. When the war was over, they returned to Winnipeg and lived at 440 Smithfield Street. Gerry thought she lived in a mansion! Their son Les was later born in 1950, and in 1954 they moved to 299 Hartford where they enjoyed 45 years in their cherished home. During those years, they celebrated Les’ Bar Mitzvah, Pam’s wedding to Jack, Les’ wedding to Lylene, and the birth of their four grandchildren. They spent their last years together before Dave’s passing at their condo at 2000 Sinclair Street.
Gerry’s family and friends were her greatest joy in life. Nothing brought her more happiness than seeing the smiles on the faces of her grandchildren and hearing the laughter in the voices of her great-grandchildren. She was Gerry Baker – the classiest of ladies; one in a million, everyone knew her, and everyone loved her. We were so blessed to have her with us for as long as we did, and life will never be the same without her. We will carry Gerry’s memory in our hearts forever.
Thank you to the wonderful staff of River Ridge 1 and St. Boniface Hospital 4E for their kindness and compassion, and a very special thank you to Sandy Slonosky and her home care staff for their wonderful care to Gerry over the years.
A Graveside Service was held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Gerry’s grandson Scott, and great-grandchildren Rylie, Jada, Seth, Karys and Amy.
Donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or Parkinson Canada.
Rest well Gerry – you’ve earned it. We love you!