Brenda Doreen (Sanger) Baker

Brenda Doreen Baker nee Sanger, our deeply loved and treasured wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, niece, and friend passed away peacefully and safely into the arms of Jesus and her family on July 14, 2024 at the age of 79 in Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.  Her children attended to her every need and care and stayed with her while in the hospital so she wasn’t alone.

She was preceded in death by her beloved soulmate and deeply missed husband, Thomas Howard Baker, who died in 2014.  They were married for 46 years and built a loving family who remain very close to this day.  That’s what our Mom and Dad wanted.  She was also preceded in death by her mother, Alverna May Reigle nee Fetrow, who died in 1989 and her sister, Shirlie Ann Henneman nee Sanger, who died in 1996.

Surviving are her four devoted children: Jada Irene Baker of Newberry Township, Pennsylvania; Corie Ann Hartsock nee Baker and husband Scott Russell Hartsock of Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania; Wendie Jo Owen nee Baker and husband Fred Benjamin Owen IV of Manchester, Pennsylvania and her only son Thomas Howard Baker, II of Newberry Township.  Six grandchildren:  Jennifer Nichole Killinger nee Hartsock and husband Carl Patrick Killinger, James Caleb Hartsock, Fred Benjamin Owen V, Hannah Marie Hartsock, Matthew Thomas Owen and Levi Scott Hartsock.  Four great grandchildren: Finley, Grayson, Phoenix, and Ezra.  She is also survived by her aunt Beverly Ann Steigler nee Fetrow of Delaware, many cousins, second cousins, and even new relatives we are discovering in 2024.  She loved all these kids so much.

Brenda was born at the family homestead in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania on December 5, 1944.  She was born in the house of her maternal grandparents, John Stephen McKinnley Fetrow and Eva Irene Fetrow nee Anderson.  This house is still there and located next door to the old Grange Hall.  Also born in the same house were her mother Alverna, her sister Shirlie, her aunt Beverly, her uncle William Vance Fetrow, and her uncle John Stephen McKinnley Fetrow Jr--who looked out for her and whom she deeply loved. Her sister Shirlie was born with cerebral palsy and thought not to live.  So it was advised to Alverna to set Shirlie aside and let her go.  Instead, Shirlie’s grandmother Eva and mother Alverna put her in a basket with warm water bottles and put her in the oven to keep her warm.  Because Eva and Alverna saved Shirlie, Brenda enjoyed a long life with her dear sister.  Brenda was known and loved by everyone in Lewisberry as she grew up and lived there along with many family members and friends. Some of whom also affectionately called her Doreen.

She loved keeping a clean house, pouring her love into the best food you’ve ever tasted, having family suppers and picnics, working at Gross Mannorette in Lewisberry with her friend Jo Anne Groft nee Gross and also loved babysitting children for many years.  Finally, she retired from a nonprofit in Harrisburg as Director of Membership Services.  She loved her collections and always had what you needed to complete your project.

She loved her church, Grace Baptist Church of Lewisberry.  Alverna and Eva also attended there. We children grew up in that church with other members and church family friends including the families of Ford, Wells, Shive, Owen (Wendie married Ben Owen), Popp, Stouffer, Garling, Fleming, Hauser, Gingrich, Mosebrook, Spearing, Hocker, Swain, Baptisti, Wharton, Chubb, Shoop, Snyder, Huston, and many others.  She loved her widow’s group she attended through the church later in life. She made sure her family went to every service. Although some of us faked illness sometimes to stay home and watch television.  Well, television wasn’t allowed if you missed church or school.  All four of her children were baptized there—Jada and Corie in Garling’s pond, Wendie in the baptistery. Tommy and his Dad, Tom, were baptized on the same day in the baptistery after many years of prayer for Dad to be saved--“There wasn’t a dry eye in the church” is how the story goes. She sent all four children to Bible Baptist School in Shiremanstown and Mount Lou San Bible Camp.  She brought her family to Christ. She truly did. Her salvation and relationship with Jesus was the most important part of her life besides her family.  Many college friends of Corie still call her Mom after 30 years.  She influenced many people and made her mark on their hearts and lives.  Family gatherings were important to her and will continue.

She loved to sing and listen to her grandson Caleb sing.  She loved all the old hymns and hymn sings.  She loved the Gaithers and Charles Stanley.  Mom had the most beautiful alto voice. She loved to harmonize with others in church.  She was generous, empathetic, kind, and practical.  She made sure we kids had every opportunity just like the other children.  Even if it meant she went without. She would give us her last penny if we needed it.  She loved keeping us looking good in clothes and keeping us clean and groomed.  She loved hummingbirds, deer, and orange Nehi soda.  She loved good food.

All she ever wanted to be was a Mother. And she was the best. She said her children were her greatest love and accomplishment in life. She taught us how to love and saved us in many ways.  Her love and legacy as wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, niece, and friend will endure for generations.  We love you, Mom.  You were so tired after your long illness and wanted to go to heaven. Your family and friends are singing you on into glory. We miss you terribly and will see you again soon.  You remain in our hearts forever.  Our pride and joy

Everyone is invited to attend a graveside service for Brenda on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 12:30 pm in the St. John's Cemetery, Heck Hill Road, Lewisberry, PA. Afterwards everyone is invited back to Grace Baptist Church, 780 Woodland Ave., Lewisberry, PA  17339 for further fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church at the above address.