June
24, 1924 - May 18, 2010SOUTH BEND - Susan P. Baker, 85, of South Bend, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, companion and caregiver, passed away at 12:07 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2010, in Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. After a very brief illness, Sue passed away with God's grace and her family's comforting presence. You gave us all a look at grace and unconditional love. You brought a beauty to life, and a joy to the living. You never quit. Go with God and look in upon us now and then. Sue was born June 24, 1924, in Whiting, IN, to the late Michael and Anna (Pavel) Plutko, and had lived in South Bend since 1968, coming from Cleveland, OH. On September 17, 1950, in Whiting, as Susan Plutko, she married Robert O. Baker, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Roberta L. "Bobbi" Mercker (William) of Kankakee, IL, and Lou Ann Lewis (Ray) of Tallahassee, FL; one son, William F. Baker (Julie) of Grand Canyon, AZ; five grandchildren, B.J. Lewis (Tina), Cory Lewis, Matthew Mercker (Julie), Emily Mercker and Michael Mercker; and three grandchildren, Elijah Lewis, Grant Mercker and Henry Mercker. She was preceded in death by a sister, Anne Durochik. Sue was the owner of the former Woolworks and a member of Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, South Bend. Memorial services will be held at noon Friday, May 21st, in Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 S. Frances St., with Rev. James Miller officiating. Cremation will take place at Welsheimer Crematory. The family will receive friends in the church on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at noon. A gathering in the church for family and friends will follow the memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyside Presbyterian Church for Triumph House (Habitat for Humanity), 115 S. Frances St., South Bend, IN 46617; or the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com. God looked around His garden and found an empty place, He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face, He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest, His garden must be beautiful He always takes the best, And as the roads were getting rough and hills were ever steep, He gave to you a special place your cherished soul to keep.