Joan Marie Baker, 83, left her earthly home on Tuesday January 30, 2018, surrounded by those who loved and cared for her. A remarkably independent woman, Joan graduated at age 17 from Philadelphia Girls' High School and within a short time assumed a position at Pennsylvania Bank, the beginning of her long career in the banking industry, including many years as a bank examiner. She traveled extensively throughout the years with a group of intrepid friends. Joan never lost a game of Scrabble, out shown every player in her extensive Words-with-Friends network, put together 1000-piece puzzles in a blink of an eye, played championship slots in Atlantic City, had her hair done each Friday, knew every main thoroughfare and back road in and around Philadelphia, and willingly shared her deep knowledge of family and Philadelphia history with anyone who asked. Hers was a kind spirit whose generosity extended to her family and dear friends who were as close as family.
Joan was born in Philadelphia, PA, on June 16, 1934 to Alfred Lorenz Baker and Marie Fitzgerald Baker. In addition to her parents, Joan was pre-deceased by brothers and sisters-in-law Alfred (Pat Sharritter) Baker, Robert (Ethel Jennigan) Baker, and Norman Baker. She is survived by her brother Don (Lynne) Baker, sister-in-law Joanne (Stout) Baker, and many nieces, nephews, and their families, including Barry Baker, Glenn (Mary Lou) Baker, Patricia (Don) Stevens, Dennis (Cyndy) Baker, Carol Baker Drigo (Tony), Karen Liberati (Rick), Linda Biondo (Sal), and Craig, Annmarie, Cathleen and Brendan Baker, of Napa, CA, and Maura Baker, of Vancouver, WA.
Joan's family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the many people who cared for Joan during the last months of her life. In particular, heartfelt thanks go to Heidi Lancers, Rita Lawless, Ingrid Barr, Barbara Valecce, and Sandra Wasser-Reidy whose time and attention meant so much to Joan, not only during her illness but throughout her life. These and other friends remain a priceless treasure. The care and compassion of the physicians, nurses, and other staff members of Chandler Hall Hospice, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Jeanes Hospital, and Lafayette Redeemer Rehabilitation Center is forever appreciated.
Funeral Services for Joan will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday February 5, 2018 in the Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown Richboro Rd, Richboro, PA. A viewing will be held in the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment will be held in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, following the funeral service. Friends and family are invited to share stories and celebrate Joan's life following the graveside service at Cannstatter Volkfest-Verein, 9130 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joan's memory to Chandler Hall Hospice http://ch.kendal.org/about/giving/; Fox Chase Cancer Center at ; Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart at greynun.org