Shelley Diane Baker

February 28, 1964 - July 23, 2024

Shelley Diane Baker, AKA Shelley Roxanne Baker, AKA Shelley "DAWG" Baker, was passionate about so many things, but her greatest passion was connecting with others. She adored her wife, kids, and friends and went out of her way to make everyone she met feel like the most important person in the room. Shelley was known by all as an exceptional listener. She was a born caregiver and found her true calling as a hospice nurse and nurse practitioner. She had a steadfast moral compass and a strong sense of faith.

Shelley loved games, especially Scrabble and word jumbles, but she was noncompetitive, always prioritizing others' having a good time. She was known to let the person who needed the win the most that day succeed, which did not always sit well with more competitive players! Fearless and unafraid of big moves, Shelley started college at UT Austin at age 17 and moved across the country by herself at age 21. She worked with people and health in so many roles: from phlebotomist to massage therapist, to school psychologist, before settling into nursing.

Another love of Shelley's life was the ocean. She was the happiest and most peaceful when she was underwater. On her first drift dive in Cozumel, when everyone else was tumbled by the currents or holding on to the rocks for dear life, Shelley was serene. The first time Shelley ever went diving in clear blue water, she jumped right in but found it filled with old tires, empty bottles, and other trash. Still, you could read the expression on her face, she was in her element!

Shelley is survived by her wife, Cacki Chote Jewart; daughters Ames and Helen Jewart; chosen sisters Lisa Hamilton and partner Kirsten Niedzwecki, Melodi Albert and wife Jana Underwood, Lisa Tanner and wife Elizabeth Davis; her mother, Sheila Baker, Aunt Sherry and Uncle Al Fayard, and brother Robby Baker, wife Lisa and family; and so many others!

Shelley's family would like to thank Michelle Horng, PharmD, and the entire team at MD Anderson, Kathryn Hudson M.D. and team at Texas Oncology, Lacie Galloway R.N. at Halcyon, Brian King, FNP, and the entire teams at Austin Palliative Care and Hospice Austin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shelley's honor to Austin Pets Alive, Hospice Austin, and Foster Village.

There will be a celebration of Shelley's life at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 27th at St. Stephen's Episcopal School. Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746. Casual dress, indoor/outdoor event.