Kathleen May "Kat" Baker

11/19/1945 - 12/04/2025

Preston - Kathleen "Kat" Baker, 80, of Preston, took her last peaceful breath on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in the comfort of her home, knowing she was loved. On November 19, 1945, Kathleen May Holland was the second daughter born to the late John and Ernita Holland of Preston (Poquetanuck). She entered the world after her parents endured the heartbreaking loss of their first child Gail, the previous winter - an experience that shaped Kathy's life in profound ways.

As a "rainbow baby," she often spoke of feeling a deep and unique connection to both her departed sister and her mother. Over time, the Holland family grew to include four more children: Evelyn, Neil, Jimmy and Russ.

Kathy attended Norwich Free Academy, where she thrived as a bright student with a particular love for reading, art and English. In her late teens, she worked as a waitress at a downtown Norwich diner, where fate introduced her to a persistent and charming older patron, Billy Baker, a Yellow Cab driver who took his breaks where she worked. Their connection blossomed, and the two eventually married. Together, Kathy and Bill welcomed four children: their eldest daughter Terri, a bold and natural leader; their eldest son Brian - often, perhaps half-seriously, teased as "Kathy's favorite," their youngest daughter Fern - in whom Kathy saw so much of herself, and her baby boy, and known apple of their father's eye - Matthew.

Although the couple later divorced, they remained lifelong friends and companions. Kathy lovingly became Bill's live-in caregiver during his final years.

Over the course of her life, Kathy embraced many roles and pursuits - always authentically, and always with heart. She was a chef, a dog breeder and groomer, a baker, and a bookkeeper. She owned a donut shop, a pet store, crafted wedding cakes, catered out of her home, and was a fixture at the Norwich Police Athletic League field concession stand during the many years that her children played there.

A devoted gardener, she was widely known for her green thumb and the beauty and life she coaxed from the soil. Kathy was also a passionate genealogist. A longtime member of several lineage societies whose tireless research helped connect thousands of families (her own included) to their long-lost ancestry. A lover of computers and technology, she proudly described herself as a "Trekkie" and openly dreamed of a future imagined by Gene Roddenberry. She was an avid movie buff who cherished slipping away to a theater with a loved one (or two) to suspend disbelief together, because enjoying the spectacle on the big screen was always better when it was shared with other dreamers.

Never afraid of a challenge, Kathy took joy in using a hammer and tackling home projects. Blending her creativity and technological skill; she even built intricate virtual furniture for herself and her online communities, remaining connected to her friends long after she stopped playing regularly.

She was very outspoken in her politics and never shy about letting others know exactly where she stood in regards to her convictions, which were blindingly clear when loudly declaring "Well behaved women rarely make history.", "Make Orwell fiction again.", and "FDT". In her final months, time with loved ones became her greatest priority, and she was visited frequently by friends and family who treasured every moment.

Kathy is predeceased by her siblings, Gail, Evelyn, Jimmy and Russ. She is survived by her brother Neil of Preston; her children and their respective partners: Terri and Don of Waterford, Brian (and Kimi) of Gales Ferry, Fern of Norwich, and Matthew and Rachael of Ledyard; her grandchildren: Jessica, Ashley, David, Christian, Kaiden, Nicholas, Alicia, Caleb, Samuel, Owen and Isla; and her great-grandchildren: Jordan, Aliyah, Kaydence, Lyla, Talon, Natalia, Juliun, Connor, Emma, Elliot and Cecilia (plus a new great-grandbaby due any day now); along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. "Live long, and prosper." - Spock (and Kathy)

Kathy's family extends heartfelt gratitude to Connecticut Hospice for their love, care and support over the past few challenging months.

A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 3, at the VFW in Waterford.