BAKER, Beatrice M.

The Arizona Republic 3/28/2010 Baker, Beatrice M. passed on Thursday, 25 March 2010 at age 79. She was born in Harlem, New York in 1930 the second child and only daughter of Joseph Rodriguez and Delores Walker. In 1952, Bea traveled by train from Birmingham, AL to Camp Pendleton, CA where she served as a nurse in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. While at Camp Pendleton, Bea met and married her sweetheart, Stanley Baker, prior to his deployment to Korea. They were married for 57 years. While raising her children, Bea thrived in her volunteer efforts serving the Charter Oak/Covina CA Women's Club, Covina Coordinating Council and St. Lucy's Priory High School in Glendora, CA. Upon her graduation from San Francisco State University in 1980, Bea enjoyed her career in accounting. She is survived by her husband, Stanley Baker; her grown children and their spouses: Michael Baker/Erin Baker, Diane Baker/Mike Needles, Nancy Baker/Patrick Manion; her grandchildren, Emily Baker, Matthew Baker, Stephanie Baker, Kristy Needles Coy, Kris Needles, Andrew Needles; seven great grandchildren; her brothers: Blair Rodriguez, Frank Rodriguez, Albin Walker. She is predeceased by her brother, Alpin Walker. On Tuesday, 30 March 2010, family and friends will gather at 10:30a PDT to celebrate the 11:00a PDT Mass at St. Gabriel's Parish Church in Cave Creek, AZ. Formal internment occurs at 12:30p PDT at the National Cemetery, Cave Creek, AZ with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sherman Home, Hospice of the Valley, 5801 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054.4503, hov.org. Her greatest joy was raising her children. Her wit and intelligence never failed her. Her family, friends and caregivers love for her is our best eulogy.