Louise Hazel (Beaumier) Baker of Falmouth passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2023 with her family by her side.
The daughter of Gertrude and Philip Beaumier, Louise was born on April 2nd, 1932 in Portland, Maine. Growing up on Munjoy Hill in Portland, Louise was part of a large family, with four brothers and one sister, and many aunts, uncles and cousins who had an important role in her life. She was particularly close with her Meme of Westbrook.
Louise graduated from Portland High School, class of 1950, where she was a majorette and active in several clubs. She had many close friends with whom she remained in contact with throughout her life. She met her husband Eddie Baker at the local skating rink, they married in January 1951, and together raised four children.
Louise worked for over 30 years in education in the Portland school system. She loved her work with children and was known to be a loving, kind, compassionate support for many children in the schools and
elsewhere. She also obtained her certification as a CNA in 1977 from Westbrook College.
Being a social, fun, person, Louise was involved with many groups over her years of living both in Portland and later in Falmouth.
She loved her time spent with her Red Hat Society friends, lunches at the Woodfords Club, gatherings with the Retired Teachers Association, meetings with the PHS Reunion Committee, and time with the Falmouth Garden Club. She volunteered at the St. Vincent Soup Kitchen for many years attending to the needs of those there with an open heart.
She was a fan of Elvis Presley, enjoyed outdoor concerts, laughing Yoga classes, outings with Falmouth Community Services, and reading. She had a fondness for all animals and birds, particularly her cat Mitzy. In past years, quilting was an interest for her and her talents shined with her handmade quilts for each grandchild, along with several beautiful quilts of many colors for her family.
Louise loved to travel. She was fortunate to travel to Italy with her sister Nancy, to Germany for a family wedding, New York to visit her granddaughter, and to several places in Florida.
She very much enjoyed her travels to Bermuda and to the many places along the Maine coast with her beloved companion, Bob Stanley, who brought much happiness to Louise for several years.
She was always ready for an outing or adventure. Her favorite places included Falmouth Town Landing, walks at Mackworth Island, Portland Headlight, Portland Observatory, Ken’s Place for clamcakes, the Lobster Shack, ice cream at Kettle Cove, and the homes of her children. Taking the ferry over to Peaks Island was one of her favorite summer activities. Louise lived a full life with her greatest joy being her children and grandchildren. She loved family gatherings and would make them extra special with her delicious homemade bread, apple pie, chicken soup with dumplings, her “famous coleslaw", and spaghetti sauce with meatballs. She loved attending any event for her grandchildren and was a dedicated
fan at the hockey rink, athletic fields, cheering competitions, and musical performances.
She will be most remembered for her kindness, compassion, patience, spontaneity, beautiful smile, positive outlook, fiesty energy, and her incredibly deep love for her family.
Louise was predeceased by her parents, her husband Eddie Baker, her son Michael Baker, her son in law Kenneth Miller, and her four brothers Philip, George, Henry and Donald.
Louise is survived by her daughter Marie Gurall of South Portland, her son Edward (Tom) Baker and his wife Stephanie of Falmouth, her daughter in law Diane Baker of Portland, her daughter Nancy Baker Miller of Yarmouth, her sister Nancy Monish and husband Dick of Pensacola FL and many special nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by grandchildren Amanda Gurall of NY, Christopher Baker of Falmouth, Kimberly Baker of Portland, Nicole( Baker) Riehle of MA, Melissa (Baker ) Kimball of Saco, Victoria Baker of Portland, Katelyn (Miller) Elie of Cumberland, Jonathan Miller of North Yarmouth, Samuel Miller of Topsham, Christopher Baston of FL, Cecilia (Baston) Fisher of NY, and Ray Baston of Yarmouth. Louise also had 22 great grandchildren.
Her family would like to extend many thanks to the staff at Cape Memory Care, particularly to Bibi who kindly cared for her for the past several years. Sincere gratitude for the compassionate care and support from Hospice of Southern Maine and the staff at the Gosnell Memorial House, with special thanks to Nancy Fasulo, Mom’s hospice nurse, who was so kind and supportive to Mom.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Louise can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Southern Maine.
A Celebration of Life Service for Louise will be held on Saturday, January 14th at 1:00, at The First Parish Congregational Church on Main St. in Yarmouth.
Arrangements are with Jones, Rich, & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland
Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com
