Judith Kay Baker

She was born in 1942 to Ruth and Luther Baker. Growing up in Wabash, Indiana, Judy had fond memories of playing with neighborhood kids and her younger sister Susan, enjoying riding bicycles around Manchester Avenue, playing cowboys and Indians, going to the movies, and gathering around the radio to listen to programs in the evening. Tragically, she lost her father when she was still a young girl, and she never stopped missing him.

Judy graduated from Wabash High School in 1960. After graduating, she attended Ball State University before starting a job with Lincoln Life Insurance in Fort Wayne in 1961. Judy had a long and successful career at Lincoln, starting as an expeditor in the group division, and holding positions including Underwriter and Account Executive in the Executive Accounts Department focusing on large employers and associations. Co-workers remembered her as a kind, caring and supportive person who was always fun to be around. While at Lincoln she developed close friendships that she cherished until the very end. Judy was also an athlete. She was an active competitor and teammate across so many sports, including golf, racquetball and softball. Athletic and competitive, teammates could always count on “Bake” to hit a homerun.

Her bond with her sister Susan remained strong through the years. Judy enjoyed spending holidays with Susan and her family – traveling far and wide to visit them as they moved. Judy made frequent trips to California, Texas, Michigan, Chicago and even to Sao Paulo, Brazil and London – all to spend time with her family. Judy and Susan were always there for each other.

She was a cherished aunt to her niece, nephew, and grand-nephews. She never missed a birthday, graduation or life event. Judy played a generous and fun-hearted role in their lives. One year, she showed up at Christmas carrying a box with holes in it for her young nephew, and asked to give the gift early. Her sister reacted by saying “there had better not be a cat in there.” But indeed there was. Her nephew got the cat he had wished for. Another time, Judy gave her niece her very first bicycle -- but not before pranking her to believe her birthday gift was really recycled office paper.

Judy had a remarkable ability to connect with people, and developed meaningful friendships wherever she went. She jumped at any opportunity to share a meal and a laugh with her many close friends, be they former classmates, co-workers, softball buddies, or neighbors. In some cases, these bonds spanned generations – Judy treasured time spent with her close friends’ children and grandchildren. During the last year of her life, she lived at Saint Anne’s, where again she developed relationships with both residents and staff alike. All will miss her dearly.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Luther Baker; her aunts Hazel Hood, Helen Barr, Ruby Lowe and Frances Williams and uncle Lee Adams; beloved pets Charlie, Jake and Scoots; and several close friends.

Judy is survived by her sister Susan Nichols (Steve); niece Kristin Nichols (Dan); nephew Doug Nichols (Fadyah); grand-nephews Ashur, Ethan and Henry; and friends too numerous to count.

Judy was kind, fun, stubborn, a loyal friend, and well-loved by all. She never stopped absorbing the love coming from those around her, and she returned it in kind – leaving the world a better place than she found it. She will be missed greatly.

A celebration of life will take place at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory (1100 Calhoun St Fort Wayne, IN 46802) on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 12:30-2:30pm. Lets gather to share memories of fun times, sad times, work times, and play times we had with Judy throughout the years. (light snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available) Please RSVP by text or voicemail to (260) 403- 9137 by 09/27/2023.. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choosing, and be kind to the people that you meet today.