Mary Kay Walsh Baker

Mary Kay Walsh Baker, 89 years old, was born in Pima County Tucson, Arizona on November 20th, 1935 and died of old age on November 6th of 2024. She is survived by her children Raymond Charles and his wife Linda Lee, Thomas Mark and his wife Lisa Renee, and Jennifer Kay and her husband Brian Davis with four grandchildren Raymond William and Alex Charles Baker, Zackary Tyler and Amara Kayrah Davis of Indiana and Iowa respectively. Mary Kay was an only child of Charles and Mary Walsh. She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond and his parents Frank and Anna Baker "Baka" of Chicago, Illinois, his brothers John, Frank, Mike and Pete and his sisters, Ann, Mary and Helen all from Chicago. Mary Kay's father Charles and her mother Mary of Tucson, Arizona preceded Mary Kay's death.

Mary Kay was an only child and cherished by her parents Charles and Mary Walsh. Mary Kay was close to her mom's sisters, Auntie's Jo and Margaret staying in touch through-out their lives. She attended both Catholic grade and high schools, before moving onto the University of Arizona where she studied geology. Mary Kay completed one year of college before choosing a new path by marrying Raymond Frank. Mary Kay's adventurous spirit resulted in her moving from Tucson to Ray's home in Chicago. Mary Kay was affectionately known as Kay to all her friends and acquaintances. She was a champion for her children, she instilled in them her deep religious upbringing coupled with her desire to ensure they had every opportunity she could offer them. Kay was industrious as well as passionate about family. She created memories for her children and grandchildren by researching the family's history creating family history books for children and grand children.

Mary Kay was a social, active woman who was deeply involved in church prayer chains for those who were struggling. She was known as the queen of Christmas and truly embraced the meaning of the season. Kay enjoyed evenings out dancing at the East End Club with Ray. They both had an interest in gambling on the river boats with Kay playing the slots and Ray on the craps table. Ray and Kay belonged to fishing and swimming clubs in Chicago Lilly Cache and in the Quad Cities the 40&8 Club. Kay was an accomplished painter leaving us with numerous canvases she created. Kay will always be remembered as a doer, no task would be left undone.

A private viewing for the family will be held at the Van Hoe Funeral Home in East Moline for immediate family only. Mary Kay will be buried with her husband at the Rock Island Arsenal Cemetery. She will be deeply missed.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com