Jacqualine Diane Baker

Jackie was born in Waukegan, Illinois. Her early years were shaped by the Great Depression and World War II. During her childhood, her family moved frequently as her father relocated for work. Because housing was scarce and many places did not allow children, Jackie and her sister often stayed behind with their grandparents until her parents were settled. She deeply loved her grandmother Hansen and often fondly reminisced about the kindness and love her grandmother bestowed on her.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State Normal University and began a career in teaching. After marrying, Jackie relocated to California, where she continued teaching until the birth of her children. She then devoted herself to what she considered her favorite role in life—being a stay-at-home mother and raising her family.

Jackie’s creative and artistic talents shone through in everything she did. She served as a room mother, led Bluebird and Camp Fire Girls groups, tutored neighborhood kids, and encouraged young readers as the ‘story lady’ at the old Pismo Beach library.

As her children grew older, Jackie remained committed to serving others. She volunteered with organizations that supported young mothers and children, where her compassion and warmth touched many lives.

Jackie enjoyed exploring the world and interacting with others—whether on her daily walks throughout Shell Beach and local trips to Solvang to celebrate her Danish heritage, or through international travels to the Caribbean, South Pacific, Asia, Mexico, and Europe.

She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and her faith was a deeply meaningful and fulfilling part of her life.

Jackie was an avid reader and was always eager to share her knowledge, whether offering guidance on natural remedies or her ministry.

She also found peace working in her yard. From her window, she loved watching the seagulls, pelicans, egrets, lizards, and even the gophers who, despite eating her flowers, made her smile.

Jackie will be remembered for her colorful outfits, her hats, her green 1967 Ford Fairlane, and, most of all, her deep love for children.

Jackie is survived by her older sister, Joan; her brother-in-law, Jack; and her three children, Dorenda, Joyce, and Roger, who will forever cherish the fond memories they shared with her.

So Live

Let us shape the book of our lives so that each page may be worth reading.
Let the words hold some laughter, some kindness, some good and shiny deed.
Let us write into it some gentle act unselfishly performed—expressions of consideration and of love.
Let it express the trust of a small child.
The warming smile of a friend.
The satisfaction that comes from the realization we have done our best.
And when God has closed the book—
May those who have shared its pages—
Put it away with a sigh, knowing that the sadness they feel is because it was a good book.
An enjoyable book that brought pleasure,
Knowledge, instruction, and entertainment to its readers.
Let it be a book that they will remember.
And remembering, let them say—
“He was a fine man. She was a wonderful woman.”

—Beth Applegate

Jackie was truly a wonderful woman.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacqualine Diane Baker, please visit our floral store.