PHYLLIS ANN BAKER

Phyllis Ann Baker (née Davidson) has died in Kingston, Ontario on New Year's Day, aged 93. Phyllis was born in Perth, Ontario, eldest daughter of the late Edith (née King) and W.A. Davidson. The family moved to Peterborough while she was still young, but continued to summer at Rideau Ferry. She studied History at Queen's University (Arts '54) under the auspices of a Mathematics entrance scholarship. Prophetically, she was warden of Baker House, home to lifelong friends and a perpetual bridge game. Upon graduation, Phyllis was recruited by the Communications Branch, National Research Council (predecessor of CSE). It was through this intriguing work that she met and married Benjamin Baker, who was with the Defence Research Board. They left Ottawa in the late '60s for five years in Washington, D.C. The diplomatic "Circuit" was grueling, but they both embraced it; the cottage on Devil Lake was a welcomed refuge. They then moved to St. Bruno, enjoying the less frenetic pace, then back to Ottawa. After Ben's retirement they made the most of summers at Devil Lake, hosting, traveling, and enjoying the company of their shelties. Phyllis was a wonderful and adventurous cook. Giving up her kitchen when she moved from Duff Crescent to Kingston in 2017 was very difficult, but she made good friends and appreciated the hard working and caring staff at the Royale. Until recently she was playing bridge and unraveling cryptic crossword puzzles. She is survived by her stepsons, Dennis (and his children, Wayne and Jennifer, and their families) and Barry (Bettiann); and by her daughter, Jillian, who will miss her tremendously. She is also survived by her nephew, Stephen (Diep and their son, Davy); and niece, Susan (John). She will be missed by her dear confidants at the Royale and her cherished friend, Melanie. She was predeceased by her husband, Ben; sisters, Beth Ada and Marnie Davidson; brother-in-law, George Ada; daughter-in-law, Dianne Baker; son-in-law, Paris Savides; and great-nephew, Ryan Ada-Lacroix. At her request, there will be no service. Donations in her memory may be made to UNICEF or ElderDog Canada.