Remembering Mary Baker
Mary Baker, Teaching & Learning doctoral program director, Warren, Minn., died in her home while on hospice, on February 20, 2021, after a short battle with brain cancer. She was 59.
Mary was born on Dec. 12, 1961, in Peoria, Ill, where she attended primary and secondary school. Her family relocated to California where she attended high school and college, ultimately graduating with her Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota.
On June 1, 1985, she was married to Scott Baker in Ridgecrest, Calif. They lived together on the Mexican border until 2001, when they moved to Warren. Mary was a teacher educating elementary, secondary, and high school students; spending the last 15 years teaching undergraduates and graduates at UND. She served as the Higher Education Representative on the North Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics board.
“Mary was a consummate professional,” said Cindy Juntunen, dean of the College of Education & Human Development. “Every day, she demonstrated the powerful impact of good teachers and she was thrilled to welcome new colleagues into the profession. We were all fortunate to work with her.”
“Dr. Mary Baker was a phenomenal colleague, an excellent instructor, and a wonderful person,” said Gail Ingwalson, associate professor of Education & Development. “Through her passion, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire, she prepared hundreds of teachers who, in turn, are influencing thousands of students. Mary’s energy and engaging personality were felt in the classroom, in meetings, and throughout our university community. She was a great leader in our department and college who was highly respected due to her integrity, insightfulness, and dedication. She was an excellent communicator and supportive of all faculty, staff, and students. Always quick with a smile, a warm greeting, and a positive attitude, that’s how we remember Mary. She will be greatly missed and always remembered.”
Her final class was held in December of 2020.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Summer of 2021; date and time to be determined.
Arrangements: DuBore Funeral Home, Warren, MN.
Guestbook: www. DuBoreFuneralHome.com