Edith Inge Neumann Baker

Edith Baker, beloved wife, mother and Oma was born March 10, 1934, in Schlesien (formerly East) Germany. The third of four daughters born of Alfred and Marta Neumann. Edith passed peacefully at home with Bailey her cat, at her feet, February 1, 2024. A month short of what would have been a milestone 90th birthday.

Edith’s fondest memories were of the beautiful countryside of her birthplace. Sledding at midnight and coming home to a candle-lit Christmas tree her parents had decorated with real candles behind closed doors. Many farm animals, friends, German food, and culture. Edith’s story cannot be told without mentioning some aspects of her childhood were traumatic. Edith was an eleven-year-old child, in 1945; when her family was forced to abandon everything, they loved and had worked hard for, to move from East to West Germany, where they began their lives anew. Because, at the end of World War II, all of Schlesien, was converted to occupancy by the Soviet Union. Under post-war border changes, most of it became part of Poland. As a result, the majority of the native ethnic German population was expelled by force and replaced by Polish settlers. More heartbreak and hardship fell upon the family, when their father Alfred, became ill and passed away at an early age, leaving their mother Marta, alone to provide for their four daughters. Marta did just that, bravely and well, despite the devastation and horror of war.

Edith met her husband, Jack Baker, in a coffee shop where Jack, was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, while serving in the U.S. Army. Courtship and love blossomed overseas. Jack and Edith were married on November 15, 1957, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They had just one daughter, Lorraine. Jack often said affectionately, Edith was his prized import. Edith became a U.S. citizen but naturally retained her love for her family in Germany and her homeland. Taking care of her family and the home was a source of pride and happiness. She was also a good cook and baker. Edith loved several pets over the years, she also enjoyed gardening, and passed this enjoyment onto her daughter. Roses were her favorite flower. Mom loved the music of Bing Cosby, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Barbara Mandrell, and Glenn Campbell. The Sound of Music and Mama Mia were her favorite movie musicals. Jack was her soul mate and the love of her life. Edith was her daughter’s best friend. And beloved Oma, to her granddaughters.

Preceding Edith in death are her husband, Jack Baker, and her parents. Sisters, Gertrude Kraatz, Stuttgart, Germany, and Ilsa (Kurt-deceased) Drieschner, Frankfurt, Germany. Edith is survived by her youngest sister, with whom she had a remarkably close relationship with; Dietlind (Werner-deceased) Gierlichs, Gottingen, Germany. Daughter, Lorraine Brown. Granddaughters, Danielle (Brandon) Beamon and Melanie Brown. Nieces and nephews in Utah, Frankfurt, Hannover, and Stuttgart, Germany, and Udon Thani, Thailand.

At the heart of hospice is meeting patients and their loved ones where we are during tough times when support is needed most. Our family wishes to express appreciation to the outstanding Solstice Home Health team; Sarah Farnsworth-Hospice CNA, Madison Hatch-SW, Sherri Kalick-Volunteer, and Keri Kammerman-Chaplain, for their compassionate care of Edith. We also want to recognize Kelley Bethea, RNCM for her care and her distinctive touch leading Edith to her final journey. Last, but not least, Chris Beck who also had a significant role in Edith’s caregiving.

Sincere appreciation and love to family, friends, work family, and neighbors, for their kind and caring support.

A celebration of life will take place, Thursday, February 8, 2024, starting at 11:00 am, Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S) Sandy, UT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, https://secure.aspca.org/donate, or a charity of your choosing in memory of Edith.