Florence Josephine Baker

Florence Josephine Baker, 80, of Duluth, died Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, in the Solvay Hospice House. Florence was born in Wrenshall, Minn. on Jan. 1, 1927 to Daniel and Anna (Latcher) Duffy. She graduated from Wrenshall High School and earned a certificate of accomplishment from the College of St. Scholastica. She retired as a long time employee at Nopeming Nursing Home. Florence was an active member of the community being president of the West End Senior Center and the Golden Westenders; founder and M.C. of the original Grandma and Grandpas Senior Band, member of the 2001 City Renovation Committee, and the RSVP Volunteer Program. Florence was creative and multi talented leaving her mark as a musician, writer, director and actress. Florence's children and grandchildren were her life. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Floyd R., in 1974, two sisters and four brothers. Florence is survived by her son, George of Duluth, daughters, Beverly (David) Sonnenburg of Zimmerman, Minn., Sandra (Bob) Fossum of Anoka, Peggy (Bob) Smutka of West St. Paul and Sally ('Jim' Kent) Lunda of Duluth; grandchildren, Kim (Lloyd) Bodle, Jim Baker, Floyd (Jessica) Baker, Eric Sonnenburg, Anders (Dianna) Sonnenburg, Keith Sonnenburg, Tamara Fossum, Chad (Melissa) Fossum, Robyn Lunda, Ryan Lunda, and 10 great grandchildren. VISITATION:12 Noon until the 1 p.m. memorial service, Tuesday, in Bell Brothers Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery in Carlton. Memorial to St. Ann's Residence would be appreciated.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.