Obituary of Loreen Alma Evelyn Baker

Loreen Baker (nee Karlson) passed away on the evening of November 11th, 2023 at the age of 97. Survived by her much loved children: son Murray Baker and wife Maria Isabel Bunning and granddaughter Alexa, daughter-in-law Cathy Murphy, daughter Wendy and husband Doug Magrath. Grandchildren Allyson, Marissa and Saira, and great granddaughter Azra, nephew Tory Karlson and wife Mary Ellen, nieces Linda Karlson and Jill Karlson, godson Ken Karlson and many other cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by husband Bruce Baker, sons David Baker, Carl Baker, brother Ross Karlson and wife Marilyn and parents Knute and Frances Karlson. Loreen lived a life full of love and laughter. To her it was shared conversations and laughter with family and friends which she enjoyed throughout her life. She always had that bright smile and her great sense of humour to share with others. Loreen had a real passion for music and was a gifted soprano singer. Singing in multiple choirs, including many years in the Trinity Lutheran Church choir and as a much requested soloist at weddings, she loved to share her gift of song with others. Although she had a great passion for singing, she had an even greater passion; her family. Instead of pursuing a professional music career she focused on raising her four children with her loving husband, Bruce. She always enjoyed time with family whether it be local day trips, Queen Elizabeth Family Camp, relaxing at a cottage, camping excursions or multi-week travels throughout the U.S. and Canada. Loreen also felt a strong connection to her Swedish heritage and lived there for a year as a child and returned many years later to visit her numerous Swedish relatives. Loreen was also an avid reader of books and in particular Christian books and books on faith along with biographies. She also loved to both watch and sometimes play sports such as basketball, baseball, golf and tennis. Although Loreen loved spending leisure time with family and friends, she was also passionate about helping others. She was very involved in serving on the Trinity Lutheran Woman’s executive and various church committees, as well as being a dedicated volunteer at Mission Services of London. Mom carried with her a care and concern for those less fortunate. She always gave generously with a loving heart. However, perhaps Loreen’s greatest dedication was to her Christian faith. She shared this with others throughout her life, and lived her faith each and every day. Loreen may have left this earth, but her gift of love, laughter, faith and freely given kindness and generosity will not be forgotten. We will look forward to the day when we all get to enjoy her many gifts again in heaven. Funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, November 17th. At 2:30pm. Visitation will be from 1:30pm to 2:30pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran World Relief or Mission Services of London. Online condolences may be made at www.mpcemetery.ca Mount Pleasant Cemetery (London) Inc., London Ontario.