Winifred Maxine Baker

Winifred Maxine (Elliott) Baker passed away November 4 in St. James VITAS Hospice Center, her youngest daughter Joan by her side. Born in 1921 to parents Leo and Sylvia Elliott in Chicago's South Shore, Wini, (as she preferred being called) graduated from Chicagos well-known Hyde Park High School. Known for her kind, gentle nature and good character, Wini's motto was "peace at any price." After two years of junior college during the Great Depression, Wini volunteered to leave school to help support her immediate family. Her deceased husband, Walter Wesley Baker, was an honors law school graduate of the University of Chicago, a one time Kiwanis president, citizen of the month, and private attorney, practicing general civil law, including probate. Wini was dedicated to her four surviving children, Gary, James, Suzanne (Borge), and Joan. Her grandchildren Monica Baker (Bosczik), Alexandra, and Dana made her very proud, and her great grandson Xavier, brought her much joy. In addition to her surviving children, grandchildren, and great grandchild, Wini is also survived by her sister Barbara Elliott (Wolff), and numerous other relatives, including nieces and nephews. For decades she was active at her local synagogue, Beth Sholom, which included membership in their Sisterhood organization, where she made some of her lifelong friends. She loved singing and playing the piano, theater, classical music, as well as the oldies of her era, was a great cook and traditional mother, an avid reader of fiction and biographies, a grammarian, and a huge Cubs fan. Having had many pets in her life, she had a special love for animals. Wini was a resident of Park Forest and remained in the house she loved for over 50 years. She had been employed by renowned Chicago area cardiologists as a medical secretary/transcriptionist until her retirement. A private memorial service will be held for Wini, with close friends and family in attendance. You can make donations in her name to any hospice of your choice.