On Monday, January 11, 2021, Shirley Mae Baker passed away at her home at the age of 78. Shirley was the mother of three children, grandmother to 11 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Shirley held a very special place with her family and she was loved by so many others. Many considered Shirley to be like their own mother or grandmother. She was known to many as “Nana Shirley”.
Shirley Mae Baker was born August 30, 1943 to Dee and Lorraine Clark in San Bernardino, California. She grew up with two brothers and two sisters. She lived most of her life in San Bernardino county attending Lincoln grammar school, Colton junior high school and graduating Colton high school in June of 1960.
Shirley held many jobs in customer service including working at Fed Mart and Mervyns. However in 1994 after a massive heart surgery she found her true Colleen. She opened up “Shirley’s Kiddie Care” in her home in Grand Terrace. For over 25 years she loved and took care of over 300 families. Shirley was one hard worker. She never knew how to stop. She volunteered in the PTA, she was a room mom, volunteered for Grand Terrace little league, Grand Terrace soccer league and at the local churches. She also sponsored many organizations and teams throughout the years.
As many know throughout Shirley’s life she battled with many health obstacles including the west Nile virus. When anyone else would have given up or broken down, Shirley remained strong. She was a fighter and she showed to many what the true meaning of what resilience and perseverance Truly look like. No matter how sick she was or how she felt she was always there for anyone that needed her especially her family. Her joy for life and the indomitable spirit kept her pushing. She will always be loved and missed dearly.
