Virginia Gustavson BAKER

BAKER, Virginia Gustavson 90, died peacefully at her residence on Aug. 22, 2012, surrounded by her daughter and her loving caregivers, Paul and Hazel Defreitas, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was born June 4, 1922, in Chicago, IL, to George Gustavson and her beloved mother, Gladys Alexander. Virginia is survived by her daughter, Margaret (Robert) Virkus of Reston, VA; her sister, Charlotte Porto; brother, Arthur Gustavson; grandson, Jeremy (Abra) Williams of San Francisco, CA; and two great-grandchildren, Peter and Madison Williams. Virginia moved to St. Petersburg at the end of World War II with her husband, Frank Baker, where for many years, she volunteered as an organizer for the Cherry Red Ball, a much anticipated annual charity event for the Mound Park Hospital Auxiliary. In her youth, she was an avid ballroom dancer, winning many competitions. In her fifties, she took up tennis and collected numerous trophies there as well. She loved children, animals, music, cruising and travel, growing exotic plants, and she was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She will be remembered especially for her generous and loving nature, the grace with which she traversed life and for her bright humor. A private memorial luncheon will be held in her honor on Saturday. Cremation is being provided by Florida Direct Cremation.