Doreen Baker

"One who plants a garden, plants happiness" -Chinese proverb Doreen Baker, 91, of Yorkshire, England, peacefully passed away at home on April 26, 2011 in Washington, IL. Doreen was born in Yorkshire, England to Charles and Elizabeth King on July 26, 1919. She married Frederick L. Baker on January 19, 1940 in Essex, England. She worked as a seamstress in London while her husband served in the Royal Army during WWII. In 1949, Doreen, her husband Frederick and daughter Anne sailed to the United States and made their home in Peoria, IL. Her church was the small garden she tended to daily. All who visited learned her approach to life. She tenaciously worked the earth, until it provided safe and nutritional home for her seeds. As they grew, she would prune and tether them for their own good, until finally, they were flourishing with radiance. Each flower was appreciated for its unique beauty and contribution to the colorful display that welcomed visitors. To be in her sanctuary was to be in the presence of unconditional love. To walk beside her was to be in the company of someone graced with the power to create beauty in everything she touched. Doreen is preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Lansley Baker. Doreen is survived by her daughter Anne Markum, son-in-law Harold Markum, grandchildren: Jason Markum and Wendy Markum, great-grandchildren: Hailey Markum and Collin Markum. Upon the family's request there will be no public services, and flowers are graciously declined. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either: OSF Home Care Services 2265 W. Altorfer Drive Peoria, IL 61615 Attn: Donna Medina or Tazewell Animal Protection Society 100 Taps Lane Pekin, IL 61554