Evelyn Ann Baker

December 30, 1934 - July 1, 2025

With deep love and gratitude, the family of Evelyn Ann “Ann” Baker (née Relyea) announces her peaceful passing on July 1, 2025, at the age of 90. Ann passed on the 70th anniversary of her marriage to the love of her life, Eric, as the Canada Day fireworks lit up the St Lawrence River outside her window on Robin Road.

Born in Prescott, Ontario, Ann was the cherished only child of Evelyn Gibb and Thomas Relyea, loving stepdaughter of Heloise Relyea, and sister to Terry (Evelyn) and Jill.

Ann graduated from teacher’s college in 1954 and taught in Kingston for a year before beginning her most meaningful vocation: raising a family. Ann was Eric’s steadfast and patient partner in life, business, and the gardens - balancing their cheque books and meticulously managing the details that held everything together. She was a devoted and tireless advocate and caregiver to their son.

Ann was a woman of quiet faith and dedicated service. She gave generously of her time and energy through pastoral care, church and community events. She sang in choirs for decades and led her annual Christmas caroling party for over 40 years as the ultimate keeper of family and holiday traditions. Her grandchildren eagerly awaited her homemade breads, sticky buns and squares at Christmas, hot cross buns at Easter, strawberry shortcake in the summer, and apple crisp in the fall.

Ann had a keen sense of style and creativity. She was a master gardener, milliner, flower arranger, painter, and calligrapher. She was known for her beautifully set tables, thoughtfully handwritten notes, and signature candlestick collection.

Throughout her life, she was drawn to the water, from the shores of the St Lawrence to her retreat at Gull Lake. She discovered the joy of Caribbean travel on her 60th birthday, a trip that blossomed into an annual tradition for the entire extended family. She was truly happiest listening to the sound of the waves while surrounded by family and reading a good book.

She is survived by her children Rebecca (John), Charles (Joanne), and Melanie (Jason); her grandchildren Samuel (Amy), Luke (Caroline), Emma (Patrick), Bennett (Amanda), Rachel (Travis), Harrison, and Kebbie; and her great-grandchildren Harriette, Thomas, Alice, Dorothy, Florence, Harvey, Arthur, and Nina. We are eternally grateful to Ruth and Yvonne for the joy and loving companionship they brought to Ann’s final years, and to McKenna and Vanessa for their compassionate care over the past few months.

Please join us to celebrate Ann’s life on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The family will welcome guests at St. Andrew’s St. Mark’s United Church in Long Sault beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m. The family invites everyone to gather for lunch at 1:00 p.m. at 10 Millars Lane in Mallorytown, Ann and Eric’s beloved home along the Thousand Islands Parkway.

In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a chilly dip in a lake or river in Ann’s honour, and consider a donation to Beyond21 in Cornwall or the Ontario SPCA SD&G Animal Centre. Messages of condolence may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.ca.