Gertrude "Trudy" Baker

Gertrude R. (Maquelin) Baker, Holland MI, age 90 went home to her Lord and Savior Monday, February 25, 2019. Trudy was born in Rochester NY on April 10 1928 to Cornelius and Rena (Heiting) Maquelin. She graduated from East High School, studied at Calvin College for two years where she sang in Calvin's Acapella Choir. She returned to Rochester to care for her ailing mother. While at home in Rochester, she studied voice at Eastman School of Music, and was selected to receive a four year scholarship. Following a profound experience with the Lord she decided to attend Reformed Bible College during which time she met Louis Baker who was attending Calvin Theological Seminary. They married on December 19, 1952. Louis and Trudy had four children: Renee (Ron) Kloet of Salem WI, Dr. Stephanie (Steven) Collins, of St. Catherines, Ontario, The Rev. Karen (Dr. Mark) Stevenson of Pittsburgh, PA, and Brian (Fiona) Baker of Dunbar, Scotland. They have six grandchildren, Laura (Bernie), Maggie (Andrae), Beth (Patrick), Jake (Noura), Calum and Cora, and four great grandchildren: Luke, Nora, Ellie and Miles. Trudy was preceded in death by her husband Louis in 2018. Trudy enjoyed ministering in various Christian Reformed Churches alongside her husband, Louis, faithfully serving in Minnesota, Michigan, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. She loved the people of those churches, loved entertaining and her home was always open to visitors. Her ministry also included leading women's group, teaching all ages, playing piano and organ, and organizing church events. When her husband was serving as a hospital chaplain at Evanston IL, Trudy took Clinical Pastoral Education (for lay people) and served as a lay chaplain in Evanston Hospital. Following their retirement to Saugatuck MI, Trudy served on various church boards and committees and sang throughout the West Michigan area. Music was always central to Trudy's life. She studied organ and piano with her father who was a professional musician, she played organ throughout her ministry with her husband, was an accomplished accompanist, and sang and performed solos in various church and community choirs. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th St. Holland. There will be a time of visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 preceding the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions are to Hospice of Holland. www.langelandsterenberg.com

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Gertrude "Trudy" Baker

April 10, 1928 - February 25, 2019