Barbara Michael Baker

Barbara Michael Baker, of Shorewood, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at the age of 87 following a brief illness.
Born on December 24, 1937, in Beverly, Massachusetts, to the late Arthur Scotti and Sara Scotti (McGouirk), Barbara graduated from Beverly High School in 1955. Especially gifted in music and dance from an early age, she went on to study music at The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she perfected her beautiful, locally renowned coloratura soprano voice. Her lifelong love of the arts, particularly opera, shaped much of her life and enriched all her endeavors.
Barbara married Joseph Michael, and together they raised five children-Scott Michael, Barbara Ruch, Melissa Gregerson (Barry), Margaret McHugh (Michael), and the late John Michael - across Lakes Minnetonka and Harriet, Deerfield Beach, and Cape Cod, along with two stepchildren, Cindy Michael Foster and Stephen Michael. The family enjoyed summers by the water and shared countless memories across these cherished homes. Barbara and Joseph were members of the Minikahda Club and Hillsboro Club, where they entertained friends and participated in a vibrant social life.
In 1990, Barbara married David Baker. Together, they traveled extensively and enjoyed time with friends and family and engaged in an active social life as members of the Lafayette Club. She will be remembered for her beauty, elegance, impeccable style, loyalty, quick wit, and sparkling sense of humor.
Barbara devoted her life to her community, serving on numerous boards and volunteering with the Junior League of Minneapolis, Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities, Twin Cities Opera Guild, and The Woman's Club of Minneapolis. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Lake Minnetonka Chapter, and was an enthusiastic mahjong player, delighting in both the challenge and camaraderie of the game.
She is survived by her children (except John), her sisters Clara Howell and Darlene Tribou, her brother Arthur Scotti, five grandchildren-Jeffry Ruch, Jennifer Ruch, Scott Michael Jr., Sara Michael, and Grace McHugh-and eight great-grandchildren.
At Barbara's request, a private funeral will be held with family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Twin Cities Opera Guild.