BAKER, Gladys Kathryn - Of Grand Blanc, age 92, joined the love of her life, Joseph A. Baker, passing peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, November 18, 2018 in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
Gladys was born in Travis County, Texas on August 16, 1926, to Alfred and Edith (McMahan) Birkner, the second of their three children. Gladys spent her childhood years in Texas until meeting Joe and marrying in Mercedes, Texas on October 2, 1943. She moved to Flint in April 1945 and worked at Marvel Carburetor until 1948 when she left for the birth of her only son. When the first four of her six children were in school, Gladys returned to school for LPN training and then worked at McLaren Hospital for over 21 years, retiring in 1985.
Gladys and Joe enjoyed traveling on numerous trips throughout the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii (their favorite vacation spot!), Europe and the Caribbean. Joe was a consummate organic gardener and Gladys spent many hours canning and preserving the bountiful harvest of his labor. Gladys also created beautiful flower gardens at all of her homes and continued to reveal the energy of her “green thumb” growing houseplants wherever she lived. Together, Gladys and Joe were great providers for their large family.
Gladys is survived by her son, Joseph (Darlene) Bruce Baker, and daughters, Diane Samarasinghe, Sharon Dickerson (David Schantz), Lisa (Tim) Duve and Laura (Terry) Blower, 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, her youngest brother, Kenneth Birkner of San Antonio, Texas, special cousins Mary Baker of Buda, Texas and Charlotte Esker of Round Rock, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, husband Joe of 62 years, daughter Gail Sadler and older brother, Alfred Birkner.
Visitation 11am Friday, November 23, 2018 until the time of the service at 1pm Friday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, Reverend Karen Williams officiating.
Burial in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family.
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