ForeverMissed
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Janet Baker - 1940-2021

Dear family and friends, thank you for your love and support as we announce the passing of our mother. Whether you know her as a friend, sister, cousin, mother or grandmother her memory lives on in all of us.
This page is intended to collect your testimonials please share a message to the family as a tribute, or post a story. You can add photos and even video to each story post.
- Thank You
February 25, 2021
February 25, 2021
Janet was a truly good friend ever since we met at the Lancaster where she and Ray were a constant presence. Over the years we shared the friendship of our daughters, Isabel and Christina, our love of reading, as well as the companionship and sorority of the Book Club. It was hard to see her so debilitated towards the end but she was always upbeat and interested in listening to others. It is a comfort to know that her recent passing probably saved her much further suffering. I will remember her as an understanding and steadfast friend, not easily forgotten. Rest in peace, Janet and may your family (and many friends) find comfort in recalling the many moments of shared happiness during Janet's lifetime.
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
Janet was a very warm and kindly soul, modest and talented and we will miss her and the emails we shared in later years. Janet was my eldest cousin and was someone I always admired and looked up too. I remember her parents, Auntie Renee and Uncle Ron (your grandparents) selling their house in order to have a bungalow built and whilst this was happening they came to live with us. Janet, Meryl and I shared my bedroom which for me was very exciting. I dare say for them though they may have found me very irritating being somewhat younger but nevertheless both were very patient and kind.

Janet was quite an artist and in her school years won a scholarship to Flatford Mill . During her school years and for an examination she made a sculpture of me sitting on the floor with my arms and hands clasped round my knees. My mother gave this to me and I still have it sitting on a unit. I remember a 2 page spread in the "Luton News" of Janet going off to Russia to work for the Foreign Office and thinking how brave she was sailing on such a long journey from home and I remember the big trunk housed at your grandparents house ready to put all of Janet's things in ready for shipment. As a family we were all very proud of her and this undertaking. Later she was to go to Mexico where I believe she met your father Ray. We were unable to attend the wedding but I do remember Janet coming to England and going to London to buy her wedding dress. We all went round to Auntie Renee's and Uncle Ron's (your grandparents) to see what Janet had bought for her wedding day to wear. I was in awe of the beaded dress and was drawn up in the excitement of what I perceived to be a fairy tale wedding which probably it was.

Janet came home to England for holidays staying for some weeks and bringing Simon, followed by Carolyn and then Christina and on these holidays Ray would follow some weeks later because of his work commitments in Mexico. We all shared many happy summer days in my parents garden and also at your grandparents and with all the family at Ashridge Park playing rounders. We had to meet up in this way because there were a lot of us including our grandparents and it made things easier with everybody chipping in with a picnic which we pooled together and all shared. Such lovely sunny memories which you, Simon, Carolyn and Christina may remember glimpses of. I remember us all visiting Whipsnade Zoo. They were such lovely family times.

In August 2009 my husband Terry and I went for a holiday to Vancouver Island and stayed in a flat below your parents apartment which they kindly arranged for us. We visited various parts of the island with Janet and Ray and were amazed at its beauty. No wonder they loved it so much. I remember meeting Christina as she came over by ferry to spend a few days with us.
Before coming out to Canada we arranged an Alaskan Cruise which your parents were keen to join us on and we booked it with Norwegian Cruise Lines. We all had a wonderfully relaxed time with lots of laughter. Whilst in Vancouver we visited Christina, Ryan and family and at that time they only had the twins. We remember this holiday with great fondness and can honestly say it was one of he best holidays making it all the more precious being with your parents. Whenever Janet came to England we would almost always meet up.

It was a great privilege knowing Janet and the memories my brother Colin and I shared with Meryl in our growing up years and beyond. She was so easy to love and it is quite true that the miles and the distance could never separate us. We will miss you Janet. Until we meet again. . . Rest in Peace.

Our love and God Bless
Enid and Terry
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
I would like to extend my condolences to Carolyn and all her family members. I only got to spend time with Ray and Janet in Victoria and Nuevo Vallarta but really enjoyed their company both times. With their English wit, humour, politeness and warmth, they were so nice to be around and interesting to talk to. I am sorry my dear friend has lost her parents but they must live on fondly in so many people's memories. Love from Winona and Marlon
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
From Valerie Hawthorne:
Tom and I arrived in Mexico from Haiti in 1974. We joined the congregation of Christ Church when that was in the centre of the city. Tom was ordained there in 1980 which led to our visiting St Andrews in Pedregal. On one of those Sundays we met Janet and Ray, so started a beautiful friendship.
There were one or two connections as both Ray and Tom were ex-wartime RAF pilots and Janet and I were ex-FCO. Any way we clicked and over the years became firm friends. We kept in touch after Tom and I returned to the UK and whenever Ray and Janet came on holiday we met up in Cambridge and we looked forward so much to those times.
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
Janet and I first became friends when we attended the same small school at the age of five. Years later she followed me into the Foreign Service where her second posting was to Mexico City. She has lived there with her loving husband and family ever since. Janet was a constant friend over so many years and I shall miss her.
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
I spent many days at the Baker’s house in the Pedregal as a child and adolescent, as did many of Christina’s friends. I don’t know how Janet put up with us! She did so, in a kind and generous manner, always making me feel welcome. I particularly remember the jam biscuits in the pantry and the bacon sandwiches. Since I heard of her passing, I have been revisiting memories from a lovely childhood and adolescence, of which she and the whole Baker family were an important part. So, thank you, and my deepest condolences to the whole family.
February 7, 2021
February 7, 2021
Janet,
My abiding memories will be of our bridge afternoons--- well bridge and chat and tea. You were such a kind, hospitable and thoughtful friend. we'll miss you so much.
February 7, 2021
February 7, 2021
I was your birthday present! And dad said he planned it, so he would only have to buy one cake, regardless he still got two. I learned to cook thanks to mom! And we keep cooking your you recipes to date.
Those Sunday dinners we had are sadly missed with dad always sharing the same stories.
We will still make two cakes every year as our tradition.
Miss you
Love Simon
February 7, 2021
February 7, 2021
You will be sorely missed dear Janet. I spent many happy days of my childhood in your house. Aside from the wonderful meals that you always cooked I always admired how everything was so well organized.. linen closet always in order, extra bread in the freezer, ham properly stored in it’s tupperware, fresh cheese in the fridge. Maybe that seems banal, but I now appreciate how difficult it must have been to run such a perfectly organized household with three kids plus their multiple friends running around and staying over. I remember you listening to Julio Iglesias, drinking tea in you Princess Diana tea set, and then telling me nothing would be the same after she passed away, taking Christina and me for ice cream to Sanborns for Children’s day; asking me about how I felt coming back to Mexico after college... etc. You always made me feel welcome and part of the family.
February 7, 2021
February 7, 2021
I met you and Ray when we decided to open LancasteSchool. We had many meetings!
Whenever we had one at your house you always had a delicious dinner! Both you snd Ray were wonderful hosts. You are lovely people.
I took the liberty to tell some other people who met you at Lancaster, barbara Sànchez, Silvoa Fernández and Ana Paola Morales were very fond of yuu
February 6, 2021
February 6, 2021
Janet gracias por todo el cariño que nos diste, te extrañaremos mucho! Un abrazo grande hasta el cielo. Descansa en Paz.
Familia Tejada Hernández
Ale, Ana Pau y Rodrigo.
February 6, 2021
February 6, 2021
I was so fortunate  to know Ray and Janet as Rector of Christ Church. Janet was always so kind and proper and a wonderful wife and mother/grandmother. I carry great memories of her great cooking and hospitality. My most sincere condolences to her children and grand children! Love to you all.

Fr Vincent+
February 6, 2021
February 6, 2021
Muchas gracias por recibirnos siempre con los brazos abiertos y querernos como miembros de tu familia !!!
Marilupe y Agustín
February 6, 2021
February 6, 2021
Janet, agradezco por siempre recibirnos con los brazos abiertos. Te recuerdo con mucho cariño, como también agradezco todo tu cariño.
February 6, 2021
February 6, 2021
I want to begin by saying that I am very sorry for the departure of a loved one and it is an honor for me to remember some of the moments we lived together.
We remember Janet with lots of love. We use to spend many lovely occasions together, especially weekend outings, birthdays and Christmases in her home. The highlights of every get together included her great cooking we loved her delicious meals, but most of all her smile and how welcome we always felt. She always made us feel part of the Bakers family. She will always be in our hearts and memories.
All those wonderful memories shared with her are the ones that will comfort our souls and hopefully help ease our pain.
All my love for Janet who is in heaven and a warm hug for the entire family.
Marcelo
February 6, 2021
February 6, 2021
So sad to hear of Janet's passing. She and Ray were always supportive and eager to do anything for their family and friends. She will be sorely missed. I am very grateful we were able to visit with Janet and Cristina in 2018 when she came to visit in BC with my mum (Sue Lloyd).

-Eric & KC

February 6, 2021
February 6, 2021
Janet, our afternoons of bridge and tea leave an indelible imprint of the joy and peace you radiated. You were a crackerjack player who knew all to well what the rules were for, and you kept my game in top form, whether as a sharp-eyed partner, or a dreaded opponent—all in your unflappable, whisper-soft style.
February 6, 2021
February 6, 2021
I first met Janet and Ray at their home in Mexico some 25 years ago through Christina who was attending the University of Victoria and was a friend of my son Aric. Later we became good friends when they moved to Victoria. I will always remember their generosity and kindness that first time we met and am saddened now they are now both gone.
February 6, 2021
February 6, 2021
Janet you have left a big hole in this world. You gave us warmth and grace and from the beautiful photos left many other lovely people in this world. I am sorry we never had the second planned visit but wish you a beautiful new journey to meet Ray. With warmest regards and many fond memories.

Sue Lloyd (Derbez)
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
Dear Janet, we've known each other all thru our childrens´lives in Lancaster and you have been an integral part of my life since then, with Paolo's friendship with Simon included. We learnt to swim together at the club, you taught me bridge, you and Ray taught me how to make marmalade! And I will miss yours, the very best!  Your selfless attitude to life in helping and giving to others will always remain an inspiration to me.  With much love, Caroline, I miss you.
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
Gracias Janeth por siempre regalarme una sonrisa, gracias por dejarme compartir contigo y con Ray tantos momentos agradables y gracias por habernos dado a la gran amiga que hoy tenemos en tu hija.
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
We will miss Janet at Book Club. She often read the most serious and difficult topics and gave us thoughful insights. We all admired her calm demeanor. Rest in peace, dear Janet.
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
Janet was one of my favorite bridge partners, and among the best players of our Monday Night group. Unlike me, she followed the rules to a tee, which makes the game easier for her partner and opponents!
She also made dynamite brownies! And she didn’t cringe at my bad language. Cheers, Jan! ❤️carole
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
Mom
I will always treasure our time together. The books., the movies our coffee times. When i share something stupid and made you laugh.
I can still hear you
Thank you allowing me to be there with you
Love you
ps. I'm so sorry i didnt keep my promise of taking you back home when time came
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
Grandma, I will always cherish all those wonderful memories we created along with grandpa, as well as all your fascinating life stories and experiences I always enjoyed hearing.
Although you might’ve forgotten my actual age, you and grandpa never once missed sending a birthday card, and I’ve still got them all safely kept.
I’ll miss you.
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
Janet was kind, gentle and affectionate. I met her many years ago at St. Andrew’s Chapel where Episcopal services were held. She told me about the Lancaster and I enrolled my daughter Diana. She and Cristina became life long friends. Diana spent many a day in Janet’s household and I benefited from her hospitality too, especially at tea time. No one served such delicious goodies at tea time as Janet. Her shepherd ‘s pie is part of our family lore.
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
Dear Janet,

You were one of my best friends in this country and I remember when you were single and thinking about returning to Blighty. Thank goodness you stayed, married Ray and had your wonderful family.

So many memories of our friendship crowd my mind but one outstanding one is when we were both looking for maternity clothes almost 50 years ago!

Such a kind and thoughtful person will be sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
February 4, 2021
February 4, 2021
Janet, I will never forget how you accepted me from the very first day, making me an immediate member of your family. It was 24 years ago this January, thank you for everything, with your departure there goes my second mother.
But you will remain in my heart forever,
For sure I will miss you
February 4, 2021
February 4, 2021
You know, now that I am thinking a lot more than usual about all your wonderful - and not so wonderful - traits, I realize that so much of you is in me. I am who I am in great part because of you and dad. ❣️
February 3, 2021
February 3, 2021
I will miss our coffee chats, where we could talk about anything.

-Christina Saunders

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Recent Tributes
February 25, 2021
February 25, 2021
Janet was a truly good friend ever since we met at the Lancaster where she and Ray were a constant presence. Over the years we shared the friendship of our daughters, Isabel and Christina, our love of reading, as well as the companionship and sorority of the Book Club. It was hard to see her so debilitated towards the end but she was always upbeat and interested in listening to others. It is a comfort to know that her recent passing probably saved her much further suffering. I will remember her as an understanding and steadfast friend, not easily forgotten. Rest in peace, Janet and may your family (and many friends) find comfort in recalling the many moments of shared happiness during Janet's lifetime.
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
Janet was a very warm and kindly soul, modest and talented and we will miss her and the emails we shared in later years. Janet was my eldest cousin and was someone I always admired and looked up too. I remember her parents, Auntie Renee and Uncle Ron (your grandparents) selling their house in order to have a bungalow built and whilst this was happening they came to live with us. Janet, Meryl and I shared my bedroom which for me was very exciting. I dare say for them though they may have found me very irritating being somewhat younger but nevertheless both were very patient and kind.

Janet was quite an artist and in her school years won a scholarship to Flatford Mill . During her school years and for an examination she made a sculpture of me sitting on the floor with my arms and hands clasped round my knees. My mother gave this to me and I still have it sitting on a unit. I remember a 2 page spread in the "Luton News" of Janet going off to Russia to work for the Foreign Office and thinking how brave she was sailing on such a long journey from home and I remember the big trunk housed at your grandparents house ready to put all of Janet's things in ready for shipment. As a family we were all very proud of her and this undertaking. Later she was to go to Mexico where I believe she met your father Ray. We were unable to attend the wedding but I do remember Janet coming to England and going to London to buy her wedding dress. We all went round to Auntie Renee's and Uncle Ron's (your grandparents) to see what Janet had bought for her wedding day to wear. I was in awe of the beaded dress and was drawn up in the excitement of what I perceived to be a fairy tale wedding which probably it was.

Janet came home to England for holidays staying for some weeks and bringing Simon, followed by Carolyn and then Christina and on these holidays Ray would follow some weeks later because of his work commitments in Mexico. We all shared many happy summer days in my parents garden and also at your grandparents and with all the family at Ashridge Park playing rounders. We had to meet up in this way because there were a lot of us including our grandparents and it made things easier with everybody chipping in with a picnic which we pooled together and all shared. Such lovely sunny memories which you, Simon, Carolyn and Christina may remember glimpses of. I remember us all visiting Whipsnade Zoo. They were such lovely family times.

In August 2009 my husband Terry and I went for a holiday to Vancouver Island and stayed in a flat below your parents apartment which they kindly arranged for us. We visited various parts of the island with Janet and Ray and were amazed at its beauty. No wonder they loved it so much. I remember meeting Christina as she came over by ferry to spend a few days with us.
Before coming out to Canada we arranged an Alaskan Cruise which your parents were keen to join us on and we booked it with Norwegian Cruise Lines. We all had a wonderfully relaxed time with lots of laughter. Whilst in Vancouver we visited Christina, Ryan and family and at that time they only had the twins. We remember this holiday with great fondness and can honestly say it was one of he best holidays making it all the more precious being with your parents. Whenever Janet came to England we would almost always meet up.

It was a great privilege knowing Janet and the memories my brother Colin and I shared with Meryl in our growing up years and beyond. She was so easy to love and it is quite true that the miles and the distance could never separate us. We will miss you Janet. Until we meet again. . . Rest in Peace.

Our love and God Bless
Enid and Terry
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
I would like to extend my condolences to Carolyn and all her family members. I only got to spend time with Ray and Janet in Victoria and Nuevo Vallarta but really enjoyed their company both times. With their English wit, humour, politeness and warmth, they were so nice to be around and interesting to talk to. I am sorry my dear friend has lost her parents but they must live on fondly in so many people's memories. Love from Winona and Marlon
Her Life

About Janet Baker

February 4, 2021
Janet was born in 1940 in Luton, England, the eldest of two sisters. 

As a child she recalls the rationing during the war and long after, which left her with a lifelong appreciation of food and saving and reusing anything she could.

As a young adult looking for opportunities she became a secretary with the British Embassy.  She was stationed in a couple of countries, most memorable being Russia, where she would work in a soundproof room to avoid anyone overhearing sensitive information.  After that, looking for a change, preferably in a warmer country,  she chose to be transferred to Mexico.  Arriving in Veracruz on a cargo ship and making her way inland to Mexico City.

Mexico, as fate would have it, would be her final destination as she met her future husband, Ray Baker, at an Embassy party.  A match made in heaven because "she cooked" and "he had a car".  One of the highlights of their wedding was making a  traditional English wedding fruitcake in a bathtub.

The young couple settled into married life and soon had three children to keep them busy. Simon is the eldest, followed by Carolyn and last, but not least, there is Christina.

The next phase of her life included founding the Lancaster School together with a group of determined parents.  The school started with a handful of students and there were often fundraisers where Janet's baking became legendary and much sought after.  Friends quickly learnt that they could come over to our house and head straight to the kitchen in search of the cookie bin.

Everyone who came over was warmly welcomed and they knew that there was always a place for them at her home, along with some amazing home cooked meals.  Many of the “comidas” hosted there are fondly remembered by numerous friends.

Janet was not the life of the party, but she was the glue that held it together, attending to all the details and making sure everyone was well looked after.  Probably why she and her husband made a good match.

She much enjoyed painting, a good read or television documentary.  But she would happily trade them in for a good game of bridge and gossip with her friends any day.

Janet will be dearly missed by many, but especially so by her sister Meryl, her 3 children (well 6 as she took all the spouses to heart) and 11 - yes 11, grandchildren.





Recent stories

Siempre presente

February 5, 2021
Hace 24 años , nos conocimos y desde el primer día me recibió con los brazos abiertos , para ese entonces yo tenía un año de haber llegado a vivir a Ciudad de México y vivía solo , desde ese día de enero de 1997 creo que todas las noches cenaba en su casa y los fines de semana comía y cenaba y si no iba me guardaba mi “Tuper “ para llevar y cuándo Caro se fue a Colombia a trabajar seguía yendo a cenar, me adoptó como un hijo más y así fue y para mi una segunda madre  
Me enseñó a jugar Bridge y pasamos grandes tardes jugando y riendo, siempre escuchando la música que le gustaba dese Abba hasta los más recientes como Michael Buble me gustaba verte disfrutar el tiempo con nosotros. 
Esa era Janet siempre preocupada por todos y lo que nos gustaba , siempre me consintió  en todo , lo que me gustaba comer, mi pastel de cumpleaños de zanahoria , mi gelatina de mandarina. 
Disfrutamos viajes, momentos y no me queda más que agradecer por todo y tanto. 
Gracias Janet y Ray , porque sin ustedes no hubiera sido posible conocer al Amor de mi vida, la mejor mujer, esposa y madre Carolyn 
Con ella seguiré honrando su memoria por siempre 
Me harás mucha falta pero disfrutamos juntos hasta el último momento

Love Janet 



A joyful singer!

February 5, 2021

I will always remember Janet as one of the most enthusiastic members of the Lancaster Parent-teacher choir. We had many good talks and laughs together. My most sincere condolences to her lovely family.

What a laugh

February 5, 2021
One of the funniest stories with mum:
One day we went to a little park with my kids so they could have some fun on a huge inflated slide (only the 3 boys, Sebastián age 3, twins age 2, Nat not born yet).
We were having such a good talk between us that we didn’t pay such close attention to the kids, and when I next glanced over to where they were supposed to be - panic!!! They were no longer there. We started calling their names, no answer. So we split up to go in search of them. 
A few minutes later my mum comes charging towards me with a kid in tow. My mum triumphantly says “I found one of them!!!”. I looked at her aghast and said “But mum that child isn’t mine”
It ended up that my kids decided to play hide and seek and where hiding on the inflatable slide and with much embarrassment had to return the child to his mum - who had seen my mum walking away with son and had followed her, not worried she said because my mum didn’t look like a kidnapper ... 
‍♀️

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