Jan Marie Baker

Jan Marie (Zantow) Baker, 73, was born in Baraboo, Wisconsin in 1949. She passed away in San Antonio, Texas on January 21, 2023. Jan is survived by Robert her loving husband of 52 years, her daughter Kristen Wightman (Jason), her son Brandon Baker (Erica), and 4 grandchildren, Madeline, Dante, Riley and Luca. Jan was preceded in death by her brother Fritz Zantow, and her parents Frederick & Dorothy (Wieland) Zantow of Wisconsin.

Jan worked for more than 40 years in hotel management and was well known to her peers in the industry. 17 years ago, she was promoted to grandmother to cheer on every milestone of her grandchildren. Over the last 15 years she also contributed to the advancement of medicine while courageously fighting cancer and participated in 6 clinical trials in multiple indications. She battled every complication with positivity and grace, caring deeply for those around her.

Jan loved to feed people. If you were lucky, you enjoyed her Christmas cookies, baked goods, or breakfast casserole at least once. Jan loved gardening and it was her cardio. Each garden she created was a haven for cardinals and hummingbirds.

Jan and Bob moved many times during their marriage. She loved to renovate and put her special touch on each place they called home. They always welcomed their neighbors like family and were there to lend a helping hand.

There will be a private gathering for family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Thrive Well Cancer Foundation at Thrivewell.org or the San Antonio Botanical Garden at sabot.org.

Cardinals appear when angels are near.