Mary "Pat" Patricia Baker

Mary Patricia "Pat" Baker, age 94, of Arcadia, Florida, entered into the loving arms of her Savior on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, Florida, surrounded by her devoted family.

Patricia was born in Highland Park, Michigan, to the late Hugh Browne and Mary M. Browne (nee Little). From her earliest years, she carried a deep and abiding faith, becoming a gentle servant of the Lord whose devotion only strengthened as she grew older.  In the summer of 1946, while at Sage Lake, Michigan, Pat met the love of her life, the late Leon W. Baker. The young couple fell in love and were married on April 29, 1950. They built their home in Lake Orion, Michigan, where they welcomed and raised their eight children.

In 1973, Pat and Lee moved their family to Port Charlotte, Florida, proudly embracing their new life as Floridians. Together they shared 61 blessed years of marriage before Lee's passing.  Pat worked at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Port Charlotte as the parish Sacristan for 20 years, a role she treasured deeply. She always felt blessed to have the opportunity to serve the priests and parishioners, and through the years became affectionately known to many as "Mrs. St. Charles." Her devotion included caring for the altar, vestments, holy instruments, and vessels, as well as church decorations, all done with reverence, love, and grace. 

A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend, Patricia touched countless lives with her warm spirit, her quiet strength, and her unwavering generosity. She was happiest when surrounded by her family, sharing stories, laughter, and the traditions that bound them together. Pat cherished her long friendship with Peggy Wik, who was very devoted during these past several months with companionship and prayer. She was deeply loved by her late aunts, Hazel Reddick and Blanche Traver, who devotedly helped with her care for their entire lives.  Patricia's faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her through every season and leaving an enduring legacy of Christian devotion for her children and grandchildren to follow.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon; her brother, Thomas P. Browne of Michigan; and her aunts, Hazel Reddick and Blanche Traver. She is survived by her eight children: William Baker (Kathryn) of Arcadia, Florida; Michael Baker (Kristine) of Hale, Michigan; Carol Trauthwein (Gregory) of Kingwood, Texas; Patricia Carroll (Lloyd) of Port Charlotte, Florida; Cathleen Baker of Hale, Michigan; Mary Jo Carlisle (Robert) of Pickerington, Ohio; Karen Grater (Jeffrey) of Gainesville, Florida; and Lori Schelm (Paul) of Arcadia, Florida. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Patricia's life will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 21505 Augusta Ave., Port Charlotte, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Tidewell Hospice or to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School.

Her family rejoices in knowing she now rests in the everlasting light of Christ, her loving presence forever cherished in the hearts of those she leaves behind.