In loving memory of

Jill Lorraine Baker
May 2, 1951 - November 6, 2021

Jill Lorraine Baker, age 70 of Chesterfield Township, Michigan passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Ascension's St. John Hospital in Detroit ending a battle with cancer spanning several years. She fought with strength, optimism & hope, humor and a love for life and family that continued to gift them with beautiful moments until her final days. Jill was born May 2, 1951 to Richard and Joyce Wallace in Detroit, Michigan. She met her forever love Kerry Dennis Baker early in life; and welcomed their daughter Julie and 2 beloved grandchildren while sharing nearly 52 years together. Jill worked as a Travel Agent arranging Cruise Vacations for 40 years and was ranked 1st in the country many times through her career. She lives on in the hearts of her husband Kerry, daughter Julie L. Baker, grandson Zachary A. Baker (Katie Baumgartner) and granddaughter Madeline M. Prusinowski. Visitation 2 - 8pm Wednesday, November 10, 2021 with Instate Thursday 9:30am until time of Funeral Service, 10:30am at Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home, 43300 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, Michigan 48038. Share a memory with Jill's family here at Verheyden.org.

Tributes

Scott Pitts wrote on Nov 28, 2021:

"My memories of Jill are as the mother of my long-time friend Julie, and as my cruise consultant at Just Cruises. She was talented at both roles! Of the two, however, she will live in my memory as the wonderful and devoted wife to Kerry, and the loving and giving mother to Julie. My heart goes out to you both, and all the family. "

Michael Pryjmak wrote on Nov 11, 2021:

"Kerry, Julie, My long time friend Dan Smith, also of EDHS, alerted me to Jill?s passing. I was saddened to hear the news. Jill and I had numerous classes together at East Detroit High. She was bright, outgoing, a beautiful person, a class act. Having lost my wife nearly 2 decades ago to a rare form of cancer when my kids were in their teens, after having had her as a part of my life for 3 decades, Kerry ? your loss I would expect to hurt even more after 52 years. You have my sympathy, as does your daughter Julie and her children. I will keep your family in my prayers. Having been down this path before, be aware that the physical & mental toll as a primary caregiver is significant. It took me 2 ½ years after the loss of my wife before I physically felt 100% again. That was in my early 50s. If the medical crew hasn?t advised you of what to expect at 70, ask them so you know what to do/not do to get back to what?s normal health wise. There are other sources of help such as a Hospice Grieving group, which also are geared to helping not just adults, but children. Another source that I took advantage of are Stephen Ministers found in Christian Churches. They are volunteers that are trained to ?walk with you? through a difficult stretch in life, at no cost to you except your time, unless you meet for instance for coffee or lunch someplace. As sure as I know that God is for real, I also had a blessing in a surprise visit from my deceased wife some years after her passing. The cancer had left her emaciated, a shell of her former self, a nightmarish memory when she departed. She appeared 1 night at my bedside looking the best she?d ever looked like, in her late 20s ? early 30s, very happy in her new ?home?, but also happy that matters for me and our son & daughter had worked out well too. Jill I expect is now not just whole again, but in the best shape she?s ever been in. Take care, Mike Pryjmak "

Donna Bryant Goulait wrote on Nov 11, 2021:

"I am so sorry to hear this news. I have many fond memories of Jill at EDHS, especially in gym class where her sense of humor warmed my heart! My sincere sympathy to Kerry and family. Donna Bryant Goulait"

Jim & Susan Kopinski wrote on Nov 10, 2021:

"Dear Kerry - Please accept our condolences. We know that Jill was a wonderful travel agent, but she was so much more. She always made us feel like we were special and her friend. Being Jill?s friend and client WAS special. All of us had such a great time on the Baltic Sea cruise and we missed both of you on last week?s trip to the Canyonlands, out west. Both of you were with us in spirit as Nancy shared pictures of Jill with you and your family. Take Care, Jim and Susan Kopinski"

Frank DeFrank wrote on Nov 10, 2021:

"Kerry: Although I never spent much time with Jill, the round of golf we played last March in Florida was a great day! Jill showed us that day that you were the second-best golfer in the Baker household. Blessings, my friend. Frank DeFrank"

Nancy Curtis wrote on Nov 9, 2021:

"Such a shock and so sad to hear of Jill?s passing. She was always so helpful with all of our travel plans. Never too busy to answer questions and always made us feel right at home with her kindness . She sure will be missed by so many Her suffering is now ended but leaves a hole in so many hearts . God help her family and friends to get through this awful time. Sincerely , Kurt and Nancy Curtis ?"

Arlene Helms wrote on Nov 9, 2021:

"Dearest Kerry, so devastated to hear of Jill?s passing. I have so many good memories of the cruise we took with the 2 of you on the eastern seaboard to Canada. Please accept my deepest condolences. God bless. Arlene Helms"

Mary Miller wrote on Nov 9, 2021:

"Jill was a wonderful individual and a great friend. I will always remember our many golf outings together. Love You Jill. Mary Miller"

Jeff Hansen wrote on Nov 9, 2021:

"I really enjoyed her energy. Always happy every time I saw her. Quite the golfer!!"

Mary Miller wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"I am saddened by the news of Jill?s passing but it brought back so many memories of our family growing up next door to the Wallace?s. My sympathies & prayers go out to her brothers Dave & Mike as well as Jill?s family & her many friends. Don?t shed tears because she is gone. Smile because she enlightened your lives with her presence. My heartfelt condolences are with you always. Mary Turner Miller "

Leona wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"So very sorry to have lost such a beautiful person and friend. "

Jan Boatman wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"Met Jill and Kerry in the neighborhood when we walked our dogs. Then when I was planning my first cruise I was pleasantly surprised to find out Jill was a travel agent. She helped me plan several cruises. We became friends and I so enjoyed talking with her whenever I walked my dogs Jackie and Duke. Her smile was infectious and she always made me feel better no matter what was going on in my life. I so enjoyed her flowers and how she decorated for the different seasons. It broke my heart when I heard she had passed onto heaven. I know she fought valiantly these past few years. I will truly miss her but I know heaven gained an angel. I send my deepest sympathy to Kerry and Julie and her two grandchildren. She loved you all so much. May you rest in peace, Jill."

Fran Bastuba wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"I worked with Jill for 12 years. She was a true inspiration and a beautiful person inside and out. She was a friend that was always giving me encouragement. I will forever miss her smile and seeing her sitting across from me at work. My prayers go out to Kerry, Julie, Zach and Maddie. "

Jan Earl wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"I am grateful to have known Jill Baker. She was such a spark of life - her energy and compassion was attractive and motivating. I cherish the great time she provided on our Mediterranean cruise and I?m very sorry that we can?t build more memories together. She was special. My love to Kerry and Julie, her family and all who called her their friend. Big hugs - Jan and Hannah Earl"

Tom and Virginia Fette wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"Jill had been our travel agent for many years, and she was terrific. Her attention to detail and her ability to make us feel very special whenever we called or stopped in. The very best trips were the ones that she was on. She was so much fun and was always making sure our group was informed and having a great time. She even had a pre and post trip party when we went on our Mediterranean cruise. She was not just our travel agent, but we considered her and Kerry our friends. She will be greatly missed. Our sincere sympathy and prayers go out to Kerry and her family. Tom and Virginia Fette ??????"

Jennifer Martinez wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"Jill was both a friend and co-worker. She was definitely one of a kind and an amazing lady. My heart is heavy and I will forever miss her. Sending strength, love and prayers to Kerry, Julie, Zach and Maddie. Jen Martinez"

Dee Ferrebee wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"Kerry I am so ver saddened to hear about Jill?s passing. I am so very thank that we were able to do the New England Cruise for our 20 th anniversary with you and Jill. Those memories are forever etched in my heart. You will have a beautiful angel watching over you forever. Our deepest sympathies. Eddie and Dee from Pittsburgh ??"

Roanneswaneck@yahoo.com wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"My heart is sad to hear of your loss. I bowled with her for years, and she has helped a lot with planning our family vacations. Always a beautiful smile and an enthusiasm for life like no other!!! She will be greatly missed by all."

Peggy Amodei wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"So sorry Baker Family that we won't be able to attend the service. But know we will thinking of you! Jill was amazing, and always was welcoming and smiling! Her love for her Grandchildren was like none other. The life she had with Kerry was heartfelt and they were true soul mates and you could just see that instantly we we saw them..our hearts and prayers go to Kerry, Julie my friend and Zack & Maddie ! "

Laura wrote on Nov 8, 2021:

"Jill was such a genuine person and loved by so many! My heart hurts for your loss. Gone way too young. May her smile and laughter live on in your hearts and minds. Mike and I will miss our breakfast dates with you and Jill, Kerry. "