In Memory

Andrea 'Andy' Baker - Class Of 1963

Andrea 'Andy' Baker

 Andy Baker

January 16, 1945 - October 31, 1986



 
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07/07/13 02:27 PM #1    

Karen Goeken (Simons) (1963)

My friendship with Andy started in 5th grade at Oneonta Elementary, continued through Jr. High, and lasted into High School. She was strong and adventurous. We rode our bikes together, and were Girl Scouts in Marsha Tanner’s mother’s troop. We played endless games of Monopoly in her bedroom, and she tried to teach me how to pitch a softball in her back yard.

 

In Jr. Hi. we walked to school together and shared humorous odd dreams we had had. One she shared was of Ms. Povey’s bun falling off during Latin class. We’d laugh again and again as we waited for the 1st bell on the steps on the Oak St. side thinking how cleaver and wicked we were.

 

We both had orchestra with Mr. Winter 1st period in 7th grade – she played trumpet and I the flute. As a result we had homeroom together – 103C. Mrs. Stutsman was our 7th period Social Studies teacher in a second floor classroom on the southwest side, and again in 8th grade in the downstairs vaulted ceiling room on south front with wonderful fresco paintings on the walls.

 

By the time we were in 8th grade, Andy and I would take the bus to Pasadena by ourselves to go Christmas shopping together. Her dad showed  me how to make a gift even more special by creating a surprise wrapping for it – a lesson for me that has lasted. It’s not only what is inside a package that is important, but the thought that is given to the presentation, and the delight in finding a surprise inside. 

 

Andy and I also had a great bond through scouting in a troop of Trailblazers led by Susan Ellison’s mom, Mary. We stayed together as a troop through most of High School, and hiked to the top of Mt. Whitney as a group. Andy’s mom, Eleanor was leader when I left the troop in our Senior year, and we sort of lost touch.

 

I deaply regret loosing touch with Andy, and her passing only emphasises to me, the need to keep in touch with our friends, and let them know how much they have meant in our lives. RIP, Andy


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