Emma Kathleen "Cathy" Baker

It is with profound sorrow we announce that Emma Kathleen "Cathy" Baker, born August 30, 1960, in Rome, New York, passed away peacefully and went home to the Lord on February 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family in her final hours.

The oldest of six girls, Emma embraced her role as big sister with pride, humor, and a fierce protectiveness that never faded. As an Air Force brat, she lived a life full of movement, curiosity, and cultural richness, spending her childhood and teen years in Okinawa, Japan, Montana, Puerto Rico, Indiana, North Dakota, Guam, and finally Bellevue, Nebraska. She graduated from Bellevue East High School where she held the distinction of being the first female ROTC squadron commander, was a delegate to Girls State and paved the way for the rest of the so called “Baker Girls” who would also go on to graduate Bellevue East. After graduation, Emma embarked on a remarkable academic and professional journey.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Education in Student Personnel Services from Texas Christian University where she became a lifelong, die-hard TCU Horned Frogs fan. She later pursued doctoral studies in Higher Education Administration at the University of North Texas.

Her career in higher education spanned more than four decades and touched institutions across the United States and the Caribbean. As a student at TCU, she served in numerous leadership roles including Residence Hall Director where she was affectionately known as “Bubba” or “Boom.” After graduating, she went on to serve students at TCU as Financial Aid Counselor, Assistant Director of Financial Aid and, ultimately, as Director of Scholarships and Student Financial Aid. Fulfilling a long-time desire to return to the familiar blue waters of the British Virgin Islands, Emma left Texas and relocated to the place of her mother’s birth, Tortola. She spent the next 20+ years in Tortola enjoying the beautiful ocean view and scenery from her home in the hills, frequently welcoming visiting friends and family and strengthening ties with her extended family. While in the BVI, she continued her work in academic administration in her roles as Registrar and Dean of Student Services and Director of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). She also played a pivotal role in helping create the HLSCC Performing Arts Series, bringing jazz and classical performances from around the world to the community.

After the devasting loss of her hillside home in hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, Emma returned to the mainland and went on to serve as Registrar at the Charleston School of Law. She also founded Sage Educational Advisors where she provided guidance to institutions seeking to strengthen policies, systems, and student services.

Emma’s professional life was marked by leadership, service, and a passion for helping students succeed. She served on numerous boards, committees, and national associations, including the President’s Cabinet and Secretary of the Board of Governors at HLSCC, the Cedar International School Board of Trustees (BVI) as Board Secretary, Scholarship Committee Chair of the TCU Clark Society, Board Member of the Circle T Girl Scout Council and Lifetime Member of the Girl Scouts of America.

Beyond her professional and community accomplishments, Emma lived a life rich with joy, connection, and unforgettable quirks. Her favorite color was purple, and she wore it proudly. She was a loyal friend—steadfast, honest, never forgetting a birthday or anniversary and always ready to show up when needed. She loved music and somehow knew the words to almost every song. She traveled widely, savored good food, loved a jaunt to the casino, played a mean game of Rummy and collected memorable life experiences with the people she loved most. And anyone who knew her well will remember her signature gesture: a good hard pinch—sometimes a sign of affection, sometimes a sign she was mad, but always unmistakably Emma.

She was passionate about those she loved, devoted to her family, and deeply proud of the life she built. Her legacy is one of service, laughter, resilience, and love.

Emma will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives she touched. Her spirit—bold, generous, and unmistakably purple—will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by her mother, Ivy (Hodge) Baker of Cary, NC; sisters Norma Jean Baker of Indian Trail, NC, Carol Ann Baker-Phillips of Cary, NC, Allyson Renay Boedeker (Ralph) of Bear, DE, Carmen Alicia Tapio (Robert) of Omaha, NE and Diane Baker Gregory (Samuel) of Cary, NC; nieces and nephews Krishane Darchell Lee of Burbank, CA, Christopher Wayne Phillips of Omaha NE, Mark Ryan Phillips of Cary, NC, Rebecca Lee Delaney of Bear, DE, Elizabeth Anne Johnson (Joshua) of Dover, DE, Ryan Daniel Boedeker (Danielle) of Newark, DE, W01 Rachel Boedeker of Bear, DE and Aubrea Annah Chalfant of Cary, NC; great nieces and nephews Elanor Delaney, Luke Johnson and Oliver Boedeker, along with a number of other extended family members throughout the US and British Virgin Islands who will also miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her father, SMSGT (Ret.) Harold Milton Baker and both her maternal and paternal grandparents.

A memorial service celebrating Emma’s exceptional life will be held Saturday, March 28 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home located at 200 SE Maynard Road in Cary, NC. Family will receive friends from 1:00pm - 2:00pm, with a Chapel Service to begin at 2:00pm. A Reception will follow from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. (A Live Stream Option will be available on the day of service. JOIN will appear in the service box below.)

In addition to floral tributes, donations may be made in honor of Emma’s legacy of service to The Girl Scouts of America and the Texas Christian University Alumni Association.

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