Obituary of Kimberly A. Baker

Kimberly A. Baker

Kim (Maday) Baker was born on April 22, 1967 and became our Guardian Angel on August 23, 2017. She was very recently diagnosed with stomach cancer on May 5, 2017.  She fought valiantly, but ultimately cancer took her from us way too soon. If you were lucky enough to have known her, if you were touched by her, you know that the quality of her life far exceeded the quantity of time she was given.

Kim’s gentle soul and vibrant smile brought joy to all she encountered. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. She had an infectious spirit that made you better just because you were near her. She was always focused on making new memories and planning the next trip with her family and friends. Kim loved to laugh and was a favorite audience for many, because she was quick to give a giggle. 

She met her husband Todd Baker in high school.  Todd and Kim attended college together, and were married in June 1993.  Together they built a life in Channahon and recently back in Joliet. They have two beautiful children Bryan and Brianna, who she affectionately referred to as her “Little Chickens”. Kim was a devoted, patient mom and a dedicated advocate to them both. They were her pride and joy. 

Kim loved the Cubs in the summer and JCA football games in the fall. She enjoyed drinking cosmos while listening to Country music and never out grew her childhood spirit with her love for roller coasters.  

Kim was a graduate of St. Francis Academy, Class of 1985, and the University of St. Francis, Class of 1989. The past 4 years she was a part-time secretary and a pre-school substitute teacher at the Cathedral of St. Raymond School in Joliet. She cherished being part of the school and was so loved by everyone. She was a faithful parishioner and constant volunteer for the Cathedral parish and school.

Kim’s favorite saying was “Smile at the Future”.  While this will be difficult without her here looking at the future with us, we will all do our best to try.  Kim, you were braver than you believed, stronger than you seemed, smarter than you thought and loved more than you know.

In addition to her husband of 24 years and their children, Kim was also the caring daughter of Susan and John Maday; dear sister of Amy Maday; cherished daughter-in-law of Richard Baker; fond sister-in-law of Mark (Denise) Baker, Fr. Brad Baker and Beth Baker.  She is also survived by a nephew, Richard (Ashley) Baker and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Avril “Babe” Baker and brother-in-law, Greg Baker.

Funeral services for Kim Baker will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 10:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds. Joliet, to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Monday, August 28 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. until services begin at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Baker family for the future education and care of Bryan and Brianna or Team Make a Difference www.tmadifference.com  For information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com