Birth date: Feb 1, 1951 Death date: Nov 18, 2023
JANE MARIE SCHUSSLER BAKER Our dearly beloved Jane Marie Schussler Baker passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, in Miami, Florida at the age of 72, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She is survived by her devot Read Obituary
Janie Baker, after not knowing me for very long, gave me three perfect gifts: a coffee mug with quotations from great writers on it (I was an English professor), a beautiful red woolen cape (so I would stay warm), and a Sudoku set with tiles (I'm addicted to Sudoku). Her thoughtfulness and generosity expressed themselves in everything she did. And her kindness. I was lucky to have known her.
The photo we used here was edited from a photo taken when Lech Walesa, the former president of Poland and Nobel laureate, met her at a reception. Not the other way around. . . . Tom Baker
We have so many wonderful memories of our Janie. We thank God for placing this incredible person into our lives. Thank you for your kindness, friendship, prayers and love. RIP Janie say hello to Peggy for us. Love you
Janie never met a stranger, and was a friend and mentor to all. When the Bakers lived in Des Moines, the caucuses provided Janie with entertainment, and the opportunity to deliver her own color commentary — she kept us posted on locations of candidates & TV satellite trucks. She was a gracious host, and regaled us with stories of her peripatetic life. She loved her family, and all her friends were extended family. She was a blessing to many. We keep her in our thoughts & prayers, and raised a glass at Thanksgiving to the Baker family. Peace Be With You. Celeste Bremer & Bill Hennan
I came to know and adore Janie when her husband Tom and I clerked together for Judge Jim Hill, along with Bill Withrow. Bill's wife Cindy completed our "clerks gang", and we all had a very special and fun year together. We gathered often for meals, Braves' games and whatever other occasion created an excuse for us to all be together. Tommy was our little mascot. Janie was the life of the party, and she always got things going with that wonderful laugh of hers. I was heartbroken when Tom shared her diagnosis, and I know he took the best possible care of her during these difficult years. With deepest sympathy and much love to the Baker family, Vickie Cheek Dorsey
I was in law school at the University of Florida with Tom and one evening was invited to have dinner with Tom and Janie at their apartment. I had just finished an internship with the prosecutor's office in Jacksonville. Given this brief excursion into the "real world," I had an inflated view of my new lawyerly insights. After dinner we sat in their living room and I began making my point on a controversial legal issue. I felt quite satisfied when I reached my conclusion and looked over at my dinner hosts. I remember what happened next so well. Neither Janie nor Tom said anything for a few seconds. Then Janie said: "Warren, I have a different view based on what I have seen in my own life." Then, in about 45 seconds, she astutely set forth the perfect counter-argument to what I had said. Completely humbled by her response, I managed just a few words: "Wow, Janie. I hadn't thought about it that way at all." I was much less cocky after that exchange, which in the long run was a blessing for me - and for the others who had to put up with this budding lawyer.
Janie was a very special lady -- super smart, well read, compassionate and loving. Tom was devoted to her. It was my privilege to have known her.
The Heavens gained an Angel when Janie Baker departed to meet our Lord. Her love of Tom
And Tommy was beyond words. Her heart swelled with pride and awe of who they are. They were her greatest love. A legacy she leaves is her love of children whose lives she touched through her knowledge, empathy, compassion, and benevolence. Rest in peace, precious Janie.
