Obituary of Marjorie Alaire Baker

Marjorie Alaire (Wiltse) Baker passed away peacefully on Sunday October 15, 2023, at the age of 89. Marjorie was predeceased by her husband, Earl; brothers, Leonard, Gerald and his wife Mary, Ralph and his wife Grace, Everett and his wife Ruby, and Delmar and his wife Ina; brothers-in-law Edward Gamroth and George Baranowski; as well as by her sisters Alice and husband Dave, and Eunice. She is survived by her sisters Lennice Gamroth, Phyllis Baranowski, and Isla Babysh (Alan); brother Lynne Wiltse (Maureen); brother-in-law Jim Campion; children Pam Baker, Laurie Morrison (Dennis), Calvin Baker, Bruce Baker (Tamay), and Darwin Baker (Beverly); grandchildren Christopher (Amanda) Baker, Elora Beddome (Donnie Wood), Andre Baker, Lacey Elliott (Byron), Cody Baker (Sheldon), Ryan (Christa) Smith, Rick (Rose) Smith; and her great grandchildren Daniel Baker, Olivia, Lucas, Callum Elliot, Kaydence Beddome, Annibelle, Paisley, Donavan Wood, and Mary Dixon.

Marjorie was born to Floyd and Florence Wiltse on August 4, 1934, on a coal mining lease near the town of Forestburg, Alberta. She was the 8th of 12 children. Her family continued to move closer to Halkirk, Alberta, where she would finish her formal schooling. Marj started to work at RBC in Stettler, Alberta, and transferred back to her beloved town of Halkirk. During her time at the bank, she was introduced to Earl Baker, with the help of her brothers. They were married on June 18, 1954 in Halkirk. Throughout their marriage Earl and Marjorie moved several times from Halkirk, to Clive and then Red Deer, before settling in Penhold in 1968, on an acreage west of town. They eventually moved into town in 1990 and Bruce’s family moved into the acreage home. During their married life, Earl and Marj brought up five children, working various jobs while raising them and helping with the home.

At the Penhold acreage Marj loved to garden and raise chickens to help sustain her family, all while being a productive member of the community. Marj was instrumental in starting the Penhold Farmers Market and the Penhold Museum Society. One of the largest accomplishments of the society was having the Fairland School building moved from its previous location in the school yard of Penhold School, to its permanent site at the south end of Penhold, as well as preserving the local history of the community. Marjorie was an avid volunteer and was recognized as a Volunteer of the Year by the Government of Alberta.

Marjorie loved to be involved with her family and would often attend sporting events, plays, camp, music lessons, and being granny’s taxi to her grandchildren, or anyone else who needed a lift. Marj loved to have people in her home, especially during any holiday. She would never turn a person away and had an open-door policy - she would welcome them in and simply add another spud to the pot. Marjorie was a teacher to many. She helped people in her life learn many skills from compassion, especially for animals, to gardening, pickling, and plucking chickens. All of these lessons will never be forgotten.

Marjorie’s life would forever be changed with the passing of Earl in 2005. Marj continued to live in their home, volunteering in Penhold at the Christmas Craft Fair and annual Plant Sale. Marjorie was always busy. She started up the Ice Cream Shack as a fundraising opportunity for the Penhold Museum Society, which still runs to this day. Marj moved to the Autumn Grove Lodge in Innisfail in 2019. Over time, her health started to change and she was moved to Michener Extendicare in 2022, where she would live out her final days. Marj and her family are forever grateful for the care and compassion that the staff provided during her time there. Marjorie was loved by many and missed by all she touched during her life. As per her wishes, her family laid her to rest at the Halkirk Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life for Marjorie will be held on Sunday November 12, 2023 at 2pm at the Penhold Memorial Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Penhold School Parent Council to fund the building of a playground at the new Penhold Waskasoo Middle School when construction is completed. Email penholdelementary.schoolcouncil@gmail.com Condolences to Marjorie’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Baker“ in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944