Janet Marie Zimmerman Baker

Victorville - Janet Marie (nickname Jean) Zimmerman Baker passed away at home in Victorville, CA on Sept 11, 2024. She was born on August 17, 1927, in Cliffside, New Jersey, to Mary Inconstanti, (died 1975), and Charles Louis Zimmerman, (died 1987). She was preceded in death by her son Warren Baker (d. 1976), ex-husband William Baker (d. 2001), her daughter Susan Baker Lee (d. 2018), and her brother Charles Zimmerman Jr (d. 2019).

She grew up in Piscataway, NJ with her younger brother Charles Jr. and lived near her grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was a natural athlete and an avid reader. She lived near Rutgers and would attend games with friends.

Janet graduated from high school in June 1945 in New Brunswick, NJ. From 1946 until 1952, Janet worked in sales at JC Penney in 3 departments: men's clothing, children's clothing and household appliances. She was very proud to have purchased a car with her earnings.

Janet married William Warren (Bill) Baker (who was serving at Camp Kilmer, NJ in the Army) in Piscataway, New Jersey, in Feb 1951. Bill was from Warren, PA and they had 8 children together.

Janet and Bill separated in 1966 and then divorced in 1971. She became a single mom raising her children with help from her parents and her community.

From around 1968 until 1980, Janet was an active member and volunteer at the United Methodist Church, 96 3rd Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ. She was involved in the Women's Society there and also taught Sunday School.

In 1981, Janet moved to Victorville, CA to be closer to her brother who lived in Apple Valley, CA. She was a member of the United Methodist Church at 15150 La Paz Dr, Victorville. She organized many events including a monthly birthday lunch that many enjoyed over the years. For many years she also assisted with getting the weekly bulletins published. She was an integral link in the prayer chain.

Janet is survived by her son Bruce (Barnegat, NJ), her son Lee and daughter-in-law Terry (Atlantic Highlands, NJ), her son John and DIL Anita (Apple Valley, CA), her son Glenn and DIL Kathy (Parksville, NY), her daughter Beverly and son-in-law Greg (Federal Way, WA), and her son Brian (Victorville, CA). Janet is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to our brother Brian for taking loving care of mom with help from hospice. No services are planned. Donations can be made in her name to your local food bank.