Barbara Faulkner Baker

Baker Barbara Faulkner Baker, age 75, died in Traverse City, MI, on June 1, 2013. Preceded in death by father, Leroy James Faulkner, mother Naomi Marie Faulkner, daughter Melanie Jane Baker and granddaughter Amanda Mia Masdea Baker. Survived by sister, Karen Bonaventura; uncle, James Farley; daughter, Melinda Ann Baker; son, Jeff (Margi) Baker; and granddaughter, Chiara Maria Masdea Baker, whom she cherished. Lived and loved the arts and artistry: music; dance choreography, education, instruction and performance; and clothing/costume design and creation. Founder/administrator of The Baker School (Lancaster, OH). Fully 1,500 students earned more than 125 regional and national talent competition awards. Co-founder/general manager of Lancaster Ballet. Produced Artists in the Schools, reaching over 10,000 Central Ohio children. Students and protégés have had established affiliations with Ballet Metropolitan of Columbus, including performances in The Nutcracker productions, participation in pre-professional programs, professional company memberships, and full-time faculty status. Initiated and administered the Melanie Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund in support of advanced dance training for dozens of local students conducted at nationally-acclaimed institutions; e.g., School of the American Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, Boston Ballet, School of Pennsylvania Ballet, and Ballet Metropolitan of Columbus. Created and coordinated the Community Dance Power Program: an open opportunity for area children to receive a dance class and to participate in a Lancaster Festival performance. Past member of the Ohio Arts Council. In retirement, created and operated "Chiara", a custom children's clothing boutique (Traverse City, MI). She will be sadly missed by all. Friends are invited to celebrate her life via a Memorial Mass, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1088 Thomas Lane, Columbus, OH 43220, Rev. Fr. Timothy Hayes, Presider. All are welcome to visit with Barbara's family, at 10 a.m., in the church vestibule, prior to the Memorial Mass. The St. Timothy Bereavement Committee will host a reception at St. Timothy immediately following the Memorial Mass. All are welcome. Arrangements by JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME(Columbus, OH).