Donna Baker

Donna Stromenger Baker, age 82, of Erie, died on May 20^th, 2017.  She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family after difficulties following surgery. 

Donna was born on April 27^th 1935 in Erie, PA to the late Howard and Lillian Stromenger and was the oldest of four children.  She graduated from East High School in 1953 and shortly after, she met the love of her life Charles Baker.  They were married on April 23, 1955 and had four children.  She worked at various part-time jobs throughout her life, but mainly she was a homemaker.  Donna and Chuck had 62 wonderful years together, during which they enjoyed boating with their children and grandchildren, time at the beach, and entertaining family and friends.

Donna found a love of music and dancing at an early age, and this carried on throughout her entire life.  Whether at a formal event, in a living room, or on the dock at the boat, if music was playing, she was moving. She also had a very deep love for her family and friends.  Donna was always there to listen and provide support to those around her, and she never missed an opportunity to send a thoughtful card.  During holidays, she rarely sat down.  She took joy in making sure everyone was well fed and happy.  Donna was sweet, nurturing, and generous.   She touched the lives of everyone she knew, and her absence will be felt each and every day.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her son Jeffrey Baker.

Survivors include her husband Charles Baker; three children, Richard Baker (Jacklyn), Kimberly Hennessy (Patrick), Kelly Smith (Dana), and daughter-in-law Jan Baker; brother Gerald Stromenger (Ronee), two sisters Kay Zastawa and Sharon Satyshur (John) and eight grandchildren, Richelle Robinson (Chad), Brian Hennessy (Vanessa), Matthew Hennessy (Leanne), Jamie Szymanski (Michael), Kelli Fay (Don), Scott Baker, Christopher Smith (Laura), and Ryan Smith. She is further survived by 8 great- grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26^th Street, Erie, PA 16506 on Thursday, May 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend a funeral service at St. George’s Catholic Church, 5145 Peach Street Erie, PA  16509 on Friday May 26th at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Brian Vossler celebrant.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family in care of Burton Funeral Home.