Carol Frances Baker (Bennett,Jacobsen, Reyer)
August 1, 1937 - August 23, 2024
Born to James and Frances Baker on August 1, 1937 in Snohomish Washington. Carol passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, August 23, 2024 from stroke complications and dementia. Carol was the oldest of three children – siblings Tom Baker and Marilyn Howell.
Carol is preceded in death by her grandparents Frank Nickerman (former Mayor of Snohomish) and Minnie Whitfield Nickerman, her parents James Baker and Frances Nickerman Baker, spouses Farrell Bennett, Ronald Jacobsen, and George Reyer, brother James Thomas Baker, brother-in-law Wes Howell.
Carol leaves behind her 6 children and son or daughter in-laws and significant others: Mark Bennett (significant other Deb), Debbie Bennett-Wilson (Geoff), Brad Bennett (significant other Cindy and former daughter in law Karie Dovre Bennett), Brenda Bennett Smithson (Phillip), Cindy Webb (David), Rhonda Jacobsen Nwaeze (Emeka). Grandchildren: Jacob Bennett (Lynette), Tyler Bennett (Kayla), Athea Hillstead (Tryge), Erik Webb (Janelle), Kody Barton (Stephanie), Nathan Webb (Miquela), Amechi Nwaeze, Ejike Nwaeze, Kelechi Nwaeze, Chinedu Nwaeze. Great Grandchildren: Maggie Bennett, Makenzee Bennett, Cheyanne Webb, Jayce Webb, Colt Bennett, Thorin Hillstead, and nephews Gerry Baker, Rick Baker, Todd Howell and niece Shawn (Howell) Vandenkolk.
She attended school in Snohomish with the 1955 graduating class, whom she remained friends with over the years especially the “Fabulous Fifteen” who had birthday celebrations for each other frequently. During her school years Carol was active in the Rainbow girls and achieved the high rank of Worthy Advisor. She also participated on the drill team and as a Yell Leader for football.
Her grandparents built a beach cabin on Camano Island south of Cama Beach. The cabin was a favorite place to go on weekends, etc. to go fishing, crabbing, and digging for clams on the beach, and just hanging out with family and friends.
Carol was a business owner in the communities she lived in – Fobes Grocery in the 1970’s in Snohomish and Camano Marine on Camano Island until her retirement. After retirement, Carol volunteered for the Snohomish Senior Center where she helped set up and open for business the Fabulously Frugal thrift store where she worked for several years. Other volunteer activities at the Senior Center included helping with the front desk, events and meals, and bazaars held at the senior center.
Carol learned to sew at an early age and continued up to the weeks before she passed. She sewed and repaired clothes, and created quilts and other gifts for family and items for sale at the bazaars.
Carol loved gardening and spent a lot of time each day tending to her flowers and vegetable gardens. She also loved to bake, and would share her holiday treats such as homemade fudge, divinity, and various cookies with family and friends every year.
Many memories were made as she enjoyed traveling with her family, she went with her sister Marilyn and her husband Wes Howell many times to Hawaii. She had precious memories of many trips to San Antonio Texas to visit her daughter and family for the holidays and other special occasions. Carol also took a cruise to Alaska with her mother and sister as well as a trip to Alaska on board her daughter’s charter yacht.
Over the years she volunteered in her community for several organizations including: Stanwood Camano Soroptimists, Stillaguamish Valley Horsemen, Twin City Riders drill team, Stanwood Camano Fair horse shows, and 4H Caballeros Too drill team in Snohomish.
She had many dogs in her life over the years whom she cherished. A private family event will be held to lay her to rest with her beloved cocker spaniels near the family cabin on Camano Island.
Carol Baker was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed in all of our lives.
Special thank you to Home Watch for their caregivers Renee and Jill and Krystal for caring for our mother over the past year. You treated Mom with respect and care like a family member. Thank you to Bristol Hospice for your loving, prompt and accessible care team during the difficult days before Carol’s passing.
A Celebration of Life for Carol Baker will be held at the Snohomish Senior Center, 506 4th Street, Snohomish, WA on Saturday, September 21st at 12:30 pm light lunch provided