Connie Baker
October 26, 1947 — February 17, 2016
Connie Baker was born on October 26, 1947 in Los Angeles, California and entered into eternal rest on February 17, 2016 in Newport Beach, California. She was 68 years old. Previously, Connie was employed in the Real Estate business as an Office Administrator for over 15 years.
Connie is survived by her husband Douglas W. Baker of Newport Beach, California and her daughter Kelly Baker of Palm Springs, California.
Condolences may be sent to her family through our website.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following:
The Lung Cancer Foundation
http://www.lcfamerica.org/#sthash.jbhAxBWm.dpbs
or
The Parkinson's Foundation
http://www.pdf.org/
Written by Connie's sister, Ellen:
"Little Bit" as our family liked to call her was the fifth child born to Thelma Ana Baldanza Berglund. She was born in the California Hospital on Hope St. in downtown Los Angeles. Mom and Dad brought her home to our family compound in the San Fernando Valley. She was welcomed by her grandparents and her four siblings, with sister Jeannie yet to arrive.
Our family was not the typical post WW11 family, but perhaps more like the turn of the last century family. We had three generations living together. Our grandfather was an Italian immigrant from Naples, arriving on the shores of the America in 1905. He was well educated and an accountant by trade, marrying Inez Chandler 1912, and a year later our Mother was born. Although our life was different from most, we were happy. Money was not in abundance, but culture was. We always had music, books and great food at all times.
Connie went to school in the Valley . In her senior year of high school mom & dad moved to west Hollywood . She enrolled in Hollywood High where she finished out her last year. She became her own person and from that time on was in charge of her own destiny. She had some great jobs along the way but I think her favorite was Club MED. With that job she got to travel the world. She had always taken vacations, but now she got to go anywhere she wanted and it was practically free! She packed in a lot in those years.
There were a few long and short term relationships but none were quite right for her. She wanted the best. Then along comes Mr. Baker. We can thank "Great Expectations" for putting them together. Actually Connie picked Doug and the rest is history. She also got the added bonus of a daughter. Kelly & Doug made her life complete. They built a remarkable life together.
Connie was remarkable in how she cherished friendships. Linda Leinart for 55 years; Casey Singer for 45, Karol Stewart and Marcia Feucht 35 years, Diane Auerbach from the Club Med days and so many more. She didn’t collect acquaintances, she formed friendships. Her tennis meant the world to her and when she could no longer play, life lost a lot purpose for her.
Aunt Connie "AC" as she was known in the family had lots of nieces and nephews. She loved them all so much and she loved unconditionally. Not one of them could do wrong. She never forgot their birthdays. A card always came. In a way, they all came of age together. Some of the older ones were close in age to her. They came to think of her more than just their aunt, but as a close friend they could depend on.
Our sister held a special place in this large family. Casey told me she thought she was the glue that held the family together. We will all agree to that .
This we know
She loved music
She loved to read
She loved good food
She loved to travel
She loved her home
She loved all of us and She loved Life.
God Speed "Little Bit." Life will never be the same.
Connie is survived by her husband Douglas W. Baker of Newport Beach, California and her daughter Kelly Baker of Palm Springs, California.
Condolences may be sent to her family through our website.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following:
The Lung Cancer Foundation
http://www.lcfamerica.org/#sthash.jbhAxBWm.dpbs
or
The Parkinson's Foundation
http://www.pdf.org/
Written by Connie's sister, Ellen:
"Little Bit" as our family liked to call her was the fifth child born to Thelma Ana Baldanza Berglund. She was born in the California Hospital on Hope St. in downtown Los Angeles. Mom and Dad brought her home to our family compound in the San Fernando Valley. She was welcomed by her grandparents and her four siblings, with sister Jeannie yet to arrive.
Our family was not the typical post WW11 family, but perhaps more like the turn of the last century family. We had three generations living together. Our grandfather was an Italian immigrant from Naples, arriving on the shores of the America in 1905. He was well educated and an accountant by trade, marrying Inez Chandler 1912, and a year later our Mother was born. Although our life was different from most, we were happy. Money was not in abundance, but culture was. We always had music, books and great food at all times.
Connie went to school in the Valley . In her senior year of high school mom & dad moved to west Hollywood . She enrolled in Hollywood High where she finished out her last year. She became her own person and from that time on was in charge of her own destiny. She had some great jobs along the way but I think her favorite was Club MED. With that job she got to travel the world. She had always taken vacations, but now she got to go anywhere she wanted and it was practically free! She packed in a lot in those years.
There were a few long and short term relationships but none were quite right for her. She wanted the best. Then along comes Mr. Baker. We can thank "Great Expectations" for putting them together. Actually Connie picked Doug and the rest is history. She also got the added bonus of a daughter. Kelly & Doug made her life complete. They built a remarkable life together.
Connie was remarkable in how she cherished friendships. Linda Leinart for 55 years; Casey Singer for 45, Karol Stewart and Marcia Feucht 35 years, Diane Auerbach from the Club Med days and so many more. She didn’t collect acquaintances, she formed friendships. Her tennis meant the world to her and when she could no longer play, life lost a lot purpose for her.
Aunt Connie "AC" as she was known in the family had lots of nieces and nephews. She loved them all so much and she loved unconditionally. Not one of them could do wrong. She never forgot their birthdays. A card always came. In a way, they all came of age together. Some of the older ones were close in age to her. They came to think of her more than just their aunt, but as a close friend they could depend on.
Our sister held a special place in this large family. Casey told me she thought she was the glue that held the family together. We will all agree to that .
This we know
She loved music
She loved to read
She loved good food
She loved to travel
She loved her home
She loved all of us and She loved Life.
God Speed "Little Bit." Life will never be the same.
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