Christine Loraine (Edson) Baker

About

Who was Christine Loraine Edson Baker? She was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, cousin, aunt, role model, card player, friend, neighbor, mentor, singer, travel partner, theater attender, biggest fan of her two children, homework editor, meticulous global-thinker, Lego and train piece sorter, and she single-handedly kept holiday napkin manufacturers in business as she included those in every birthday and holiday card she sent.

Christine had the delight of being a little and big sister and was honored to serve in those roles for her siblings Barbara, David, Edie, and Carol. She dearly loved her mother Olive, father Jerry, and her grandparents and extended family. She won Miss White Lake in 1963 and attended the Miss Michigan pageant that same year. She always wanted to be a mommy. From a very young age she wanted a “Steven” and a “Susan” – so much so that she gave her plants those names when she was young.

She was honored to be an active member of the Birmingham Unitarian Church, and was proud of her rummage sale signs and providing buttons for the various church groups.

Christine was curious at heart and kept a sheet of paper on her table with things she wanted to research on her iPad. She loved National Hebrew thick hot dogs with kettle chips. Animals and children flocked to her. Her kindness and non-judgmental spirit endured them to her wherever she would travel.

My brother Steve and I will thrive in our days here on earth with our mom’s voice in our souls reminding us: “Aim high, there’s plenty of room.” “If you’re going to do something, do it right.” “It’s the song you sing, and the smile you wear that makes the sunshine everywhere.” And, of course, the messages from “Free to Be, You and Me.”

It was a gift to be her daughter, and an honor to be her friend.

– Susan Loraine (Baker) Marin