Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Grand Blanc, Michigan
1926 - 2018
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.
I had known Gladys since I was 5 years old. Just like family with the Bachmans, also. She was my nurse at McLaren when a couple of my children were born. A great lady. Will be missed. Sorry out of town and could not attend funeral. My love to her children.
November 24, 2018
Over the years, as an in-law in Gladys' extended family, I came to know how central she remained in the lives of her children as I benefit and receive such sustenance from my deepening ties with all of them. I can think of no greater legacy than the family she leaves behind. My sympathies to all of them as they deal with the void left by her passing. What a woman!
Darlene Gillham
November 21, 2018 | Buffalo, NY | Family
Very blessed to have known Mrs. Baker. She was a role model for women, her kindness, her strength, her drive and ambition. May she rest in peace. I won't be able to attend the service, but your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Korie A
November 20, 2018
Rember Gladys and Joe very well. She was my mothers cousin.From Robert Watkins son of Olga Slobodian.
R Watkins
November 19, 2018 | Flushing, MI
1944
Harlingen, Texas
Lisa Duve
November 19, 2018 | Grand Blanc, MI | Family
My favorite picture of mom and daddy
November 19, 2018
Our family would like to express sincere thanks to Erika and all of her staff at Grand Blanc Fields Assisted Living Facility for the care and friendship which was given to our mom during her last three months of life.
Lisa Duve
November 19, 2018 | Grand Blanc, MI | Family
