Dec. 9, 1914 — Nov. 8, 2013

Avia Birnie Baker, 98, of Elkhart, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family, “flew away” to her new home in the arms of her Lord and Savior, on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 at Silverbrook Manor in Niles, Michigan.

Avia was born Dec. 9, 1914 in Watertown, Massachusetts to William Dawson Birnie and Eva Brackett Birnie.  She married Thomas F. Baker on March 29, 1940 in Worcester, MA.   Avia is survived by her son, Dawson Slater (Patty) Baker of Toledo, Ohio; daughters, Meredith Ann (Charles) Clymer of Niles, Michigan, Judith Carol (John) VanderWeg of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan; and grandchildren, Dawson Scott (Tonya) Baker, Felicity Alanna Baker, Kim (Scott) Allen, Karen Parker, eleven great-grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.

She was graduated from high school in Worcester, Massachusetts and business school in Albany, New York.  Avia was a devoted mother, loving wife and lifelong homemaker.  Elkhart was the longest and final homestead of the Baker family.

Avia was an accomplished seamstress – from bathing suits to wedding gowns.  She played bridge well into her 90s and was a ruthless backgammon opponent.  Avia enjoyed attending concerts and listening to music, and she loved being near the water and boating on Lake Michigan with her family.  Among her many activities, foremost was her membership in the First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart and their Women’s Association.

Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.  A memorial celebration of Avia’s life will take place Dec. 9, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart.  The church is located at 200 East Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, Indiana, 46514.  When spring returns to the garden a private burial will take place in the Columbarium of the First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart.

Online condolences may be directed to www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.