
Richland — Ann Marie Baker, of Spokane Valley, Washington, passed away on Sunday, January 8th, 2023, in Richland, Washington, surrounded by family when her beloved heart surrendered after an expansive life. She was born in 1935, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Daniel Peter MacDonald and Mary Martha MacDonald, née MacRae. Ann Marie grew up with sisters Donalda and Shirley, and brother William. She graduated high school in Quincy, MA, and studied nursing in Boston. She worked as a traveling nurse across America with her group of college friends, through New England, Arizona, Florida, and Washington. Ann Marie earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Washington, and a master of science degree in health sciences from Whitworth University. Ann Marie’s love of the theater, horseback riding, and puppetry filled her spare time. In 1963, in Seattle, Washington, she joined the United States Air Force. Ann Marie was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, when she met and married her lifelong companion, David. It was while stationed there that they brought their three sons, Michael, Patrick, and William, into this world. Ann Marie worked as an operating room nurse for several decades in Florida, Texas, and Washington. She retired in Spokane, Washington as an operating room trainer. Ann Marie’s faith was very important to her. She was a devout Catholic, a member of Stephen Ministries, and she spent much of her retired life caring for her husband and providing guidance to her adult children. Ann Marie is survived by her sons, Michael, Patrick, and William; and by her grandchildren, Jordan, Dustin, Nicholas, and Jessica. Ann Marie will be laid to rest with military honors on Friday, March 24th, at 12:30 P.M. at the Pines Mausoleum, 12116 E. 16th, Spokane Valley, Washington. A memorial service will be held the next day, Saturday, March 25th at 10:00 A.M., followed by a light lunch, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 304 S. Adams Road, Spokane Valley, Washington.