Barbara Ann Baker, nee Freeman, 66, of Denver, passed away October 17, 2011 with friends and

family by her side. With fortitude, grace and in good cheer she fought pancreatic cancer, diagnosed in July 2010. She was born to the late Fred and Dovie Lee Freeman, April 14, 1945, in Lamison, Alabama. Barbara attended Lamison School in Lamison, AL and Pine Hill High School in Pine Hill, AL, the University of Alabama, Montevallo University and San Bernardino Valley College. Barbara, often referred to as Ms. B by her students, was a schoolteacher in southern Colorado until she retired in 2003. She was passionate about helping her Special Needs students cope, learn, and prosper. All of her life she was ebullient, optimistic, happy and filled with the joy of life. As an adult, she was an accomplished golfer and successful stock market investor. She enjoyed traveling, particularly by ship, and visited Europe, Africa, India, Asia, Australia, a number of South Pacific islands and numerous places in the United States and Canada. Her favorite activities included reading, the music of Pete Seeger and Joan Baez, classical music, yoga, gardening and the pleasures of an ocean beach. She had great respect and love of nature, evidenced by camping in the wilds of Montanas Bob Marshall Wilderness, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and many other off the beaten track settings.

Barbara was physically strong and determined as evidenced by walking up a steep flight of stairs, to her bedroom, within two hours of arriving home from Hospital after her surgery. Moreover, she was high-spirited. Two friends commented, An elegant, loving and caring woman...What a light she was and always will be to me! and a classic example of the free spirit who lived life to enjoy it. Friends and family all remember her as kind and loving. Barbara was especially attentive to her mother, taking her on trips and excursions. Barbara is preceded in death by her mother and father, Dovie Lee Freeman Carver and Fred Maxwell Freeman, Sr., stepfather Kenneth Carver, two brothers, Fred Maxwell Freeman, Jr., Roy Freeman, and three sisters, Dovie Lee Clanton, Marzette Huckabee, Clara Gene Freeman and her husband, Leon Baker. Barbara is survived by her husband, Emerson Baker of Colorado Springs; three children: John Baker, of Denver; Phillip Baker of San Francisco, Melody Baker-Taylor; brothers Donald Freeman, of Vero Beach, FL and Boyce Freeman, of Citronelle, AL; eight grandchildren: David, Paul, Jonah, Margaret Maggie, Mary Elizabeth, Rosalie, Kayla, and Ann Marie. She leaves five nieces and nine nephews with fond memories of Barbara, known to them as Aunt Bobbie. She had a very close relationship with her niece, Anna Clanton Smith. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her name to Halcyon Hospice and Palliative Care, Denver, CO. Barbara cherished the hospice staff and enjoyed long conversations with each of her attendants.

You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Opening Hymn/Song....Precious Lord Opening Prayer First Reading....Wisdom 3: 1-9 Responsorial Psalm..Psalm 23: 1-3, 3-4, 5, 6 Second Reading....Romans 6: 3-9 Gospel..John 11: 17-27 Homily General Intercessions Commendation Recessional Hymn/Song....Amazing Grace

Pall Bearers Family and Friends

Honorary Flower Bearers Family and Friends

The family will be receiving friends and visitors immediately following the service in the St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic School Auditorium. All are welcomed to share reflections and expressions during this time

The family of the late Barbara A. Baker wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, floral tributes, prayers, and many other expressions of kindness and concern evidenced at this time in thought and deeds. May God Bless and Keep You

Arrangements by Horan and McConaty 3020 Federal Blvd. ~ Denver, CO 80211