Mary Elizabeth Baker, 81, of Modesto passed away peacefully Wednesday at English Oaks Convalescent Hospital in Modesto.
Mary was born in 1929 in Empire to the late Edwin and Zona Heiny. She was raised in Modesto. After Mary received her teaching credentials from La Verne College, she taught for 50 years. Mary was a musician and singer, and enjoyed playing the violin with the Modesto Symphony. Her interests included knitting, travelling and volunteering her time at her church.
She is survived by her daughter, Marcia Priddy of England; step children, Patricia Holden of Oregon, and Gary and Dan Baker, both of Modesto; sister, Dorothy Hunter of Modesto; grandchild, Joshua Knapp; seven step grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and 13 step great grandchildren. She had many nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by siblings, Crete Tooker, Wayne Heiny, Loyal Heiny, Maurice Heiny and Byron Heiny.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13 at the Modesto Church of the Brethren.
Memorial gifts may be made to Church of the Brethren Community Outreach Ministries (www.modcob.org), Casa de Modesto (www.casademodesto.org) or Modesto Symphony (www.modestosymphony.org).
Allen Mortuary is in charge of arrangements; please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.