Constance Louise DOERKSEN

1938 - 2018

DOERKSEN,
Constance
Louise
(Baker)

Constance Louise Baker Doerksen passed away on September 22, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon, after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. Connie was born on January 17, 1938 in Everett, Washington, to Wallace and Virginia Baker, and grew up in Spokane, graduating from Lewis & Clark High School in 1956, and from the University of Oregon in 1960, where she was a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority. She taught elementary school in Portland and Eugene, then married Kenneth Doerksen of Eugene, and raised a family of three, David, Julie, and Craig. She worked in Eugene District 4J from 1976 until her retirement in 2002. She was an avid Duck fan and an even more avid gardener, filling her yard and home with colorful annuals and perennials. Beyond the garden she loved knitting, sewing, baking her incredible cinnamon rolls, and connecting with her friends. A longtime lover of the Eugene Public Library and books of any kind, she was a voracious reader and raised her children to be the same. Over the years the family hosted a series of legendary cats, culminating in her beloved Buttercup, who preceded her in death by only five weeks. She and Ken enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States and Canada. Her favorite places included Malibu Club in Canada; Priest Lake, Idaho; rural Ireland; and Eagle Crest in Central Oregon. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ken, and their three children: Dave (Renee Michaels) of Chicago, Julie of Portland, and Craig (Dana) of Austin, TX; and brothers: Douglas (Ray) Baker of Spokane, WA, and David Baker of Vancouver, WA. A memorial service took place on Friday, October 5, at 2 PM, at First Baptist Church of Eugene, 3550 Fox Meadow Road, Eugene, OR. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Young Life of Lane County.