Margaret Mary Baker

Margaret Mary “Meg” Baker, 87, of Davenport died Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 11 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Davenport. Visitation will take place Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m at the Runge Mortuary in Davenport. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Memorials may be made to the Riverbend Food Bank or the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com.

Meg was born January 12, 1923 in Manson, IA to proud parents John C. “Cy” Condon and Mary “May” (Crahan) Condon. She married the love of her life, Jack M. Baker, July 18, 1945 in Manson; he died 54 years later on his 75th birthday, August 19, 1999. He was once asked if he was interested in renewing his vows to Meg, but he did not think that was necessary, having been, as he said, totally sincere when he spoke them the first time.

Meg was a woman of many talents, not the least of which was her amazingly loving ability to convince each of her children that he or she was their mother’s personal favorite. She brought honor and distinction to the art and profession of being a mom and wife. She was recognized as a quick wit, and made life brighter for those around her with her sunny outlook and dependably cheerful disposition.

She was trained as a teacher, and, still in her teens, taught in a one-room schoolhouse prior to her marriage to Jack. As Mrs. Baker, she employed her talents in looking after her family and volunteering at church and school. Over the course of years she sang in local choirs and at funerals, baked countless cookies and cakes, and delivered Meals on Wheels. Meg was a voracious reader, but made sure she had time each day to complete at least one crossword puzzle. She was also a skilled gardener, avid bird watcher, lifelong animal lover, artist, sports enthusiast and friend to all.

The church was always an important part of her life. A 44-year member of St Paul’s Parish, her faith sustained her through a difficult last few months.

Those left to honor Meg’s memory include her sister, Rita Quade of Manson, IA; Meg and Jack’s five children: Rick (Carol) of Farmer City, IL; Paul (Jeanne), Morton, IL; Barb (Jim Knebelsberger) of Schaumburg, IL; Tom (Debbe), Waverly, IA and Dave (Cathy) of Manakin-Sabot, VA.; 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.