Obituary of Avril Baker

Avril Marie "Babe" Baker Babe was placed in the loving hands of our Lord by her husband and children on Friday, February 4, 2011. Born on November 17, 1930, Babe was the daughter of the late Armstrong "Bud" and Hazel Hile. She is sister to Marilyn (late Don) Stein of Joliet and Larry (Evelyn) Hile of Tacoma, WA. Babe graduated from St. Francis Academy. In 1953, Babe met Dick Baker, a United States Marine who had served in Korea, and who looked good in a uniform. She and Dick were married at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus Parish in Joliet on October 9, 1954. She is survived by her beloved husband Dick and their three devoted sons, Mark (Denise) Baker of Joliet, Fr. Brad Baker of Joliet, and Todd (Kim) Baker of Channahon, and a daughter-in-law, Beth Baker, of Federal Way, WA. Babe adored her three grandchildren, Richard Baker of Youngsville, Louisiana, and Bryan and Brianna Baker of Channahon. Babe was a devoted aunt to many nephews and nieces. Babe was preceded in death by her son Greg in 1986. Babe was always happiest when in the presence of her family. We are so grateful for the family that was fostered by our Mom, as well as the travel we were able to enjoy together. Babe was a positive force of life, and a friend to many. People always relished being in Babe's presence. For years, she and Dick assembled the Murphy Acres Munchkins for backyard Fourth of July and Labor Day celebrations that were joy-filled gatherings for many dear friends. Babe spent her adult life being an advocate for God's living creatures. She helped rescue and serve countless abused and abandoned animals. Babe was one of the founding members of the Will County Humane Society, and has served on their Board of Directors for the past forty plus years. The family would like to express our gratitude to the doctors, nurses and aides in the CICU at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center for their attentive and dedicated care of our Mom. Because of Babe's deep and abiding faith in God, our family trusts that Mom now rests in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Funeral servicers for Avril "Babe" Baker will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of "Babe" may be made to the Will County Humane Society or Cathedral of St. Raymond. Visitation Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. also Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. until time of services at 9:15 a.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For Information: 741-5500