Anne Baker

Anne Brewster Baker (Wilbur) was born in Visalia, CA on February 1, 1947 to Leona Evelyn Wilbur (Jones) and Robert Wilson Wilbur, of Corcoran, CA. Anne grew up in Corcoran with her parents and three siblings— Bob, Jane and Steve— until the tragic death of their father in 1957. In junior high school, Anne was a majorette, a fact of which she was very proud. Anne started High School at Corcoran High School, but in the middle of ninth grade, Anne moved with her mother and brother Steve to Tulare.

Anne then attended Tulare Union High School, graduating in 1965. Anne remained close with many of her high school friends until the time of her death. They served as invaluable supports for Anne throughout her life, and she could not have asked for better friends. Meghan had the opportunity to attend Anne’s 40th high school reunion with her and can attest to the vibrant friendships that endured those many years.

After high school, Anne attended the University of California at Davis where she graduated with a degree in psychology. After college, Anne lived in the Bay Area and worked as a probation officer and in a juvenile detention facility and a children’s shelter. Anne told many stories of working with these clients, bringing kids home to Granny’s house for holidays. These experiences probably helped to inspire Meghan to eventually work with youth and the criminal justice system as well. During the 1960’s in Berkeley, Anne was “bra burning” feminist. She attended demonstrations on Telegraph Avenue, had long, flowing hair and strong beliefs. In her early twenties, Anne married Jeff Doutt. While their marriage did not last, they did remain friends and were in touch off and on until his death in 1993.

Anne met Pat Baker in the East Bay. The two eventually married in 1977, and Anne became a step-mother to Sean Baker (of Grass Valley, CA) and Shelley Baker (d. 2007). The couple moved to Barrington, IL in 1979. While living in Illinois, Anne received a masters degree in Community Mental Health at Northern Illinois University. Anne had many great friends in the Chicago area, and they enjoyed eating at great restaurants like the Parthenon and vacationing with friends.

In October 1981, Anne and Pat welcomed Meghan Anne Baker, and six weeks later, the family moved to Vail, CO. In Vail, Anne served for many years as the volunteer coordinator for the Women’s Resource Center, providing support to women who were victims of domestic violence. Again, Anne took great pride in using her skills and knowledge to help others, putting her graduate degree to use. January of 1987 brought with it the birth of Kevin Robert Baker. The family enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Vail Valley daily from their house on Booth Falls Court. Anne was an avid skier, and she also enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

In 1990, the family moved to College Station, TX and moved onto Brothers Blvd., right by Southwood Valley Elementary. Anne lived in College Station until 2005. It was during that time that Anne discovered water aerobics and first became a certified water aerobics instructor for College Station Parks and Recreation. This became one of Anne’s greatest passions, and she loved to remind people to have “abs and buns of steel” and to put their “headlights up.” Anne particularly enjoyed working with older people and people for whom water aerobics was the therapy they needed to stay strong and young. While living in Texas, Anne formed many deep and lasting friendships. Anne remained in College Station until 2005 when Kevin graduated from high school, and she moved back to the Central Valley, near family, settling in Visalia.

From 2005 until her death, Anne was thrilled to be living so close to her siblings, nieces and nephews, and other family and to be present for so many family events. California was her “home.” Anne took great joy in spending time at the beach (Pismo, Cayucos), often reminiscing about clamming with her father as a young child. Anne continued teaching water aerobics at Lifestyles Fitness in Visalia until the spring of 2019. In 2010, Anne moved into The Lakes and into the home in which she lived until her death. There, she found an amazing community of friends and neighbors who enjoyed going out on her boat with her, where she was “the Captain.” She regularly took her girlfriends (Paula, Denise, Nancy, Molly and more) out for a spin of “The Betty Boop,” bringing along appetizers and wine for the ride. Anne took great pride in her home, including her beautifully maintained yard and countless indoor and outdoor plants. Anne’s green thumb something her children hope to eventually develop.

In January of 2021, Anne was diagnosed with a stroke. She was in the hospital until March of 2021, eventually suffering three strokes. Anne beat the odds (for the first time) by surviving, with her children, family, and her dogs Mini and Lady by her side. She was eventually discharged to rehab where she worked intensely to gain back her strength and skills. In April 2021, Anne was able to return to her home, which was a huge accomplishment! Unfortunately, soon after that, Anne was diagnosed with heart failure due to leaking heart valves, which resulted from the same infection that caused the strokes. A cardiologist remarked to Anne that he “couldn’t believe she was still alive.” Anne continued to fight all through 2021, enduring numerous hospital stays, remaining strong through it all and serving as an inspiration to those around her, including her doctors.

During 2021, Anne’s children were blessed to spend a great deal of time with her. Both Meghan and Kevin stayed weeks on end, sitting by Anne’s side in the hospital and at home. Anne was able to spend more than six weeks with her grandson Eliot which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Anne enjoyed Thanksgiving at home with her children, and all were immensely grateful to have this time together. Anne was also able to spend time with all of her family, even attending a family wedding in November 2021. No matter what, Anne maintained her (at times inappropriate) sense of humor.

In December 2021, with the support of her family and doctors, Anne bravely underwent a risky open heart surgery to replace her heart valves. Beating the odds yet again, Anne made it through the surgery and recovered enough to be discharged to rehab. Anne was at rehab when on January 8, 2022, she had sudden complications that caused her death that evening.

Anne is preceded in death by her parents, numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, and her much loved brother-in-law, Cois duPlessis. Anne is lovingly remembered by her children Meghan (and Elise Logemann, of Denver, CO) and Kevin Baker (College Station, TX), her beautiful grandsons Nathaniel Baker (Kevin) and Eliot Baker (Meghan); her siblings Bob (and Carolyn) Wilbur of Tulare, Steve (and Roni) Wilbur or Tulare, and Jane duPlessis of Tulare; her 10 nieces and nephews Jeff Wilbur (and Lisa, Elizabeth, Grace and Sarah), Katie Van Beek (Wilbur) and Ray, Evan, Max and Heidi, Kristin Schussel (Wilbur) and Mike and Ben and Adam, Monique Lloyd (duPlessis) and Eric and Tyler and Audrey, Nicole duPlessis, Charl duPlessis (and Melissa, Samantha and Gage), Christopher duPlessis, Kelley Nicholson (Wilbur) and Sean and Kate and Luke, Natalie Muth (Wilbur) and Bryan and Jake and Brock, and Blake Wilbur (and Brittany, Juliet and Axel); and countless dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Anne’s memory to Lighthouse Rescue Mission in Tulare, CA (www.lighthouserescue.org) or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date and location to be determined, and Anne’s ashes will be interred at the Tulare Cemetery District along with her mother and father. Information will be posted to Anne’s Facebook page as well as the memorial site for Sterling and Smith Funeral Home in Tulare.