Shelley Hartman Baker

Shelley Hartman Baker, 67, passed away on August 12, 2013 in Houston, TX after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. She touched many people's lives and will be remembered for her bright smile and indomitable spirit. Shelley was born on September 20, 1945 in Hempstead, NY. She spent her adolescence in New Orleans, where she developed her musical gifts - playing piano, accordion, and violin - and graduated from McDonogh Senior High School in 1963. She attended Southern Methodist University and married Fred T. Baker, Jr. in 1965. They had two daughters and later divorced. Shelley enjoyed a successful career in financial services, culminating with 14 years as a financial advisor with Edward Jones. She won awards for client service and was a mentor to her colleagues. Music was at the center of Shelley's soul. For a time she made her living playing the piano. She loved to entertain her family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Music drew her to her husband Joseph Tarantino, a professional pianist and accordionist she met in 1989. Shelley was elegant and upbeat, a musician and a musician's friend. She took great pride in her daughters and granddaughter. She spread joy and won hearts wherever she went. Shelley's parents, Betty Fellows Carothers and Campbell M. Carothers, Sr., and her daughter Amy Lauren Baker predeceased her. Shelley is survived by her husband, and by her daughter Kristen Baker Loden, son-in-law Matthew, and granddaughter Eleanor, of Philadelphia. Shelley's family suggests memorial donations to Houston Hospice or St. Cecilia Chamber Music Society. A private service will take place in her honor.

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