April 18, 2022
It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of Elaine Frances Baker (nee Penney). With her devoted husband by her side, Elaine passed away in the early morning hours of April 18th, 2022 at Penticton Regional Hospital, following a long battle with kidney disease.
Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Ken, daughters Robin-Lynn (Len) and Anne-Marie (Ron), grandchildren April and Shelby, sisters Patricia and Darlene, sister-in-law Jean (Lorne), brother-in-law Hugh (Carol) and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was predeceased by brothers Mike in 1995, Alan in 2016, and her mother Irene in 2004.
Born in Vernon, BC, Elaine grew up in/around BC's interior and New Westminster. In her youth, she excelled in many sports, including basketball, track and field and was an exceptional softball player. At 15 Elaine joined North Vancouver's Crowhurst Motor Senior A softball team, a core member of elite players that would then become the trail-blazing South Hill Queens in 1959.
In the early 60's Elaine moved to Victoria where she played for The Vic-Ettes and pursued her career as a hairdresser. She returned to the lower mainland in 1966 where she played out the remainder of her softball career with the Senior A Texaco's, ending the 1967 season with a Provincial Championship win and participated in the National Championships. Elaine would meet the love of her life Ken on a blind date on New Years Eve 1966. Married in 1968, the loving couple would live in Powell River and Kitimat, eventually settling on the 1500 block of Dublin Street in New Westminster, where they raised their two children and lived for over 30 years. Throughout those years Elaine was actively involved in volunteering with her children's sporting activities, coaching them and other children in track and field and softball. After retiring in 2008, Elaine and Ken relocated to Penticton BC where she enjoyed gardening, watching sports and keeping up with family and friends, especially her beloved grandchildren. In October 2018, Elaine was inducted into the BC Softball Hall of Fame (Team Category) as a member of the South Hill Queens (1959-1961), a moment we are all very proud of.
Elaine was a formidable athlete, devoted and beloved wife, caring and compassionate mother and grandmother. Overall, she was an exceptional human who was always willing to give her time, love and support to all those in her family and beyond. Her love and spirit will forever live on and be felt by all those who knew her and loved her in return.
A Celebration Of Life will be held in Penticton, BC on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Please email robinlynn6@gmail.com for complete details.
The family wishes to thank the nurses of the In-Patient Medical Unit on the 6th floor at PRH for their kindness and compassionate care for Elaine and her family. We also extend our thanks to Doctors Bordeau, Bursey and Ingram and to the staff of PRH's Renal Unit. We are eternally grateful.
The family would appreciate that any In Memoriam donations be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada - BC/Yukon Branch, or the Penticton Hospital Auxiliary.
www.kidney.ca, www.pentictonhospitalauxiliary.com.
Condolences may be shared by visiting everdenrust.com.
Everden Rust Funeral Chapel