Angelina Marie Baker, a resilient and smart woman known for her sharp wit and unwavering love for her family, passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, December 15, 2024. She was born on the 12th of January, 1941 to John Paul and Ruth Kathren (Kauzlarich) Swab. Throughout her life, Angelina was a beacon of strength and intelligence, co-owning, operating, and serving as a bookkeeper for Baker Grain and Feed Incorporated. She retired in 2000 after years of dedicated service, but her industrious spirit and savvy business acumen continued to shine bright even in her retirement years.
A resident of Cincinnati, Iowa, Angelina married her life’s partner on the 26th of December 1959. Together, they forged a love story that delighted in the simple joys of life and was marked by a shared enthusiasm for travel. Angelina loved hitting every state and spent many winters in South Texas, dancing and playing cards. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary, the Family Motor Coach, Good Sams, Midwest Trail Roaders Hobos Caravan RV clubs, Jokers Card Group, The Bike Club, and the Red Hat Society. She was also an avid square dancer, participating in the Lads and Lassie Square Dance and attending many state conventions.
Above all else, what mattered most to Angelina was her family. Her love for them was a constant, unwavering force that guided her every decision and action. Her resilience, intelligence, and wit left an indelible mark on those around her, making her a beloved figure in her family and community. While she will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Survivors include; husband, Donald Baker; children, Marcia (Gene) Fry, Mark Baker, Martin “Marty” Baker, Dale (Julie) Baker, David (Mechele) Baker; twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren; and two on the way; daughter-in-law Linda (Chuck) Maholovich. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruth Swab; son, Michael Baker.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, opening to the public at 3 pm, with family present from 4-7 pm to greet friends. A rosary will be recited by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary at 4 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, December, 21, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorials may be direct to St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society. Sinnott Funeral Homes of Ottumwa and Albia is assisting the family with arrangements.
