Louise Marcelle Baker was the only child born to Rene’ and Louise Loret on May 29,1925, in Rennes, France. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 at the age of 98.
As a child, Louise had a carefree life in France prior to World War II, bicycling the French countryside and traveling with her parents to seaside coastal towns on the French Brittany coast. Her favorite place was the historic French Port of St. Malo because of its beauty, her love of the sea, and where there were strong family ties because her father was born there. She also made frequent trips to Paris to see aunts and uncles who doted on her during her stay. During her times in Paris, she climbed the Eiffel Tower, explored the Louvre museum, enjoyed great food, and visited the beautiful parks that Paris has to offer.
When war broke out in France in 1939, Louise was only 14 and her life took a different turn due to the German Nazi occupation of Rennes. Travel was restricted. Food rationing was the new norm and living under German occupation for four years made Louise grow up fast.
Louise’s life took another turn again in 1944 following the invasion of Allied forces that eventually liberated France. She met her future husband William Robert Baker (Bill) whose Army unit was stationed in her hometown of Rennes to help the locals establish order, security, and to set up a local provisional government following the war’s end. Louise and Bill formed a loving relationship that would eventually last 74 years. They were married in Rennes on Dec. 26, 1945; and soon after, Bill was reassigned to Rouen, France, where they lived until he was honorably discharged. Following his discharge, they travelled to the United States separately; he on a troop ship, and she on a cruise ship that had been used as a Navy transport during the war.
After living with Bill’s parents for a few months in Pennsylvania, the newlyweds moved to DeQuincy where Bill took a job with the local telephone company. They eventually bought a small farm outside of DeQuincy in 1949. Later in 1964, they bought a feed and hardware store in DeQuincy that they operated for 33 years.
After raising five children to school age, Louise enrolled at McNeese State University where she excelled in her courses graduating summa cum laude in 1968. Following her graduation, she began a career that spanned over 22 years at DeQuincy High School teaching French and English. Her French classes were the most rewarding for her. Many of her students placed at the state level in competitions, and she participated in many statewide programs that advanced teaching French and the French culture.
In their mid-70’s, Bill and Louise decided to buy a home in the Woodlands, Texas to be closer to all five of their children and their families. At the beginning, they split their time between the DeQuincy farm and the Woodlands home but eventually, the Woodlands home became their primary home.
Up until the past few years, Louise was continually active and had an array of artistic talents such as writing, sewing, and decorating. She loved to paint, and her artwork is strewn throughout her home. She was always busy with a project. She loved card games, and she especially loved the game of Scrabble that she played often, and she was a fierce competitor. Louise loved to travel, and she and Bill had traveled throughout the United States, but her favorite trip was her annual journey back to France to her beloved St. Malo.
Louise was independent by nature and necessity: a woman of quiet dignity. Behind her sweet, gentle demeanor was a courageous and strong woman with an unconditional love for her family. They will remember her spirit, her wit and sense of humor. She felt that she had lived a full life.
Lili will be missed as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Maryvonne Cooper, Pat Baker, Bobby Baker and his wife Susan, Danielle Baker, and Joe Baker and his wife DeeDee; ten grandchildren and their spouses: Danielle Cooper Annamali and husband Sundhar, Jesse Baker, Julie Baker Ferguson and husband Kyle, Thomas Baker, Katie Baker Merkord, Josh Baker and wife Cally, Kayla Baker Ludwig and husband Sam, Sarah Baker Townsend and husband Joey, Keith Baker, and Marcelle Baker; twelve great-grandchildren: Colleen, Sophie, Henry, McKenzie, Morgan, Mason, Jude, Caroline, Kate, Emma, Allie Jo, and Nicholas; and two special friends, Bonnie Erbe Baker and Don Morgan.
Preceding her in death are her beloved husband, Bill; her son-in-law, Kerry Cooper; and her grandson, Christopher Cooper.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of anyone who had the opportunity to know her. Louise will be laid to rest next to Bill at the Riley Smith Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of your choice or paying it forward with an act of kindness for others would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to 31 Veranda Ridge Drive, The Woodlands TX 77382.
The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy. Interment to follow at Riley Smith Memorial Park in DeQuincy.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
