Jean (McMurdo) Baker

BAKER, Jean (nee McMurdo)
1917-2020
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jean Baker, on July 11, 2020, just 13 days short of her 103rd birthday.  Her beloved daughter and faithful caregiver, Lorrilyn Forth, was by her side. Jean was a true pioneer of Alberta. She was born in Wetaskiwin and was proud to call it home for most of her long life. She was the second child born to Charles and Grace McMurdo and was predeceased by her two brothers, Bill and Kells McMurdo. Since her life expanded a century, she mourned the loss of her husband Earl Baker, her step daughters Sharel and Wendy, son in law Mel, and her first husband, Tommy McDougall, sisters in law, Iona and Marg, and not to forget, countless friends that were such a huge part of her life. Our mom had the rare opportunity to see the world evolve in a way most don’t. The invention of cars, air, and space travel were just a few. She was never stuck in a decade or the past; she was always looking forward to the next day and what it would bring. Grandma Jean was eager to learn and Wii or hip hop and computer games were her favorites.  Anything new was an adventure. She loved watching her grandchildren grow and looked forward to the next ones in line. Not a traveler by heart; still, she and Earl discovered the world with motor home trips, cruises and sunny winters in Arizona; however, she always looked forward to returning home to Wetaskiwin. Mom had passions outside of her family. She loved to curl, to golf, to have a good game of bridge and she certainly loved to dance, even tap dancing into her eighties.  She spent the last years of her life at Peace Hills Lodge, which she considered her home and where she enjoyed happy days with her friends. Jean is survived by her adoring family: Barbara (Gerald) Comrie, Dianne (Glen) Turnquist, Bill McDougall, Beverley (Malcolm) MacKenzie, Lorrilyn  (Garry) Forth, Dave Delane, Brenda (Curtis) Nelson, Brad (Grace) Baker. At last count Grandma had: 27 grandchildren, 38 great grand children and 4 great- great - grandchildren.So Mom, Grandma Jean, you leave us with a legacy of inspiration, compassion and love and for that, we are forever grateful. Thank you.  Our gratitude to the dedicated doctors at the Wetaskiwin Hospital who proved that elderly lives matter. A  family graveside service will take place at a later date. If friends wish to honour her memory, donations may be made to the First United Church, (5115-51 Ave.  Wetaskiwin, Alberta. T9A 0V3).

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