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ANNAMARIE M. BAKER
1921—1995
nnamarie Mattoon was born to Mr.
Edwin \W. Mattoon and Mrs. Annie E. Mattoon on February 23, 1921, in Champaign, Illinois, in the United States. She died on May x3, 1995, in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Her mother was pregnant with Annamarie when her father wrote to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for permission to go on pilgrimage. Her mother added a postscript saying, “even if just for one day.” They were granted permission to travel to the Holy Land in that historic year, and little Annamarie was only three months old when she was in the presence of the Master. He named her Zivar and held her in His arms.
The Mattoons were a widely known Bahá’í family. Many of Annamarie’s fond memories were of the ride from their home in Arcola in an open touring car to attend Nineteen Day Feasts in Urbana, Illinois. The family was part of the Champaign—Urbana Bahá’í community, even though Arcola was about forty miles away. Annamarie could not remember a time when she did not consider herself a Bahá’í, although she attended Sunday school regularly in the local churches, a common practice at that time.
Her father worked as a school administrator, and about 1929 during the early Depression, he accepted a teaching post in the Chicago public schools for financial reasons. The family moved to the Chicago area, eventually settling in Wilmette. Annamarie finished high school
THE BAHA’I’ WORLD
there and then attended Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in primary education. During this period ofher life, she was very involved in Bahá’í youth activities and served on the National Youth Committee.
Annamarie was an outstanding and well-loved teacher. Kindergarten was her first choice, and she taught that level for most of her career. Even after she had retired, many years later in Cochabamba, Bolivia, her former students would greet her on the street, in stores and restaurants, and wherever they encountered her. It was a source ofjoy and pride to Annamarie that her former kindergarten students asked her on several occasions to take part in their high school graduation ceremonies; she was often mentioned in the speeches of the valedietorians, and in 1993 she was invited to give the graduation address.
011 December 23, 1947, Annamarie Mattoon and William “Bill” Baker were married in Wilmette, and together they had a loving and harmonious married life for forty—seven years. Their first two Children, Frank and Crystal, were born in Lima, Ohio, where Bill worked in the family bakery. Bill decided to continue his education, and the bakery was sold. The family moved to Champaign, Illinois, where their third child, Robert, was born. During these years, Annamarie was raising the children and did not teach school. However, she was very involved in Bahá’í activities, serving on the Local Spiritual Assembly, teaching children’s classes, and hosting Nineteen Day Feasts as well as fireside meetings. With her warm personality and good memory for names, she was always an excellent hostess. She also provided the loving support her husband needed to complete bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at the University of Illinois by 1960.
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IN MEMORIAM 1992—1997 223
Annamm'ie M. Baker
After leaving Champaign, the family moved to the North Shore area of Chicago, settling finally in Deerfield, Illinois, to help establish a Local Spiritual Assembly there. Her home was open for Sunday morning activities for separate groups of children, youth, and adults. The Sunday morning gatherings were popular, and they were 5nally moved into the Deerfield Park facility. Sunday was a very busy day with morning classes in Deerfield and afternoon activities such as choir, guiding, or reading at afternoon services at the Wilmette Temple. It was also a very sociable time, and frequently there were visitors for supper.
In Deerfield Annamarie became very conscious of racial discrimination as African—Americans had been excluded from residency in the town. The family lived in a nice home in a pleasant neighborhood, but when the pioneer call came, Annamarie responded by asking, “If we don’t go now, when will we go?” The family decided to go, and the sale of the house was left to her. There were several visits a day by
prospective buyers. One day a real estate agent brought an African-American couple who offered the listed price. Immediately, two white Families also ofTered the listed price. Annamarie called a family conference and recommended that the house he sold to the African—American family. It was a happy Choice. The neighbors were initially very upset, even hostile, but eventually they got along well, and Deerfield took a step toward integration.
On November 14, 1968, the family arrived in Lima, Pert'l, around 1:00 AM. Annamarie was forty—seven years old, accustomed to an upper—middle—Class suburban life, and found it diH-lcult to learn Spanish, but she was happy to be a pioneer and to be ofservice to the Faith and to the family.
They settled in Arequipa, a rather inactive Bahá’í community, and Annamarie soon made a home and started fitesides. The lack of Spanish was a problem for her, but she Found the Arequipenos to be friendly, and soon the family had an active social life. Those were years in which she could travel and teach, though she devoted considerable time to homemaking. She also spent many hours and days on the preparation and distribution of the national Bahá’í bulletin, and she always included a well—received children’s page. She also was an active and enthusiastic supporter ofher husband’s activities, and their home was a center to regularly receive and teach groups ofAymara and Quechua friends.
In 1974 the family decided to move to Bolivia. Annamarie went ahead to find a house and was elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Cochabamba, so momentarily she was on two Local Assemblies in two countries. She served on the Assembly of Cochabamba until the last month of her life—a period of twenty—one years.
She hosted weekly firesides and often organized and taught children’s Classes.
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Her home was always open to visitors, and breakfast was a particularly busy time. Many friends From the rural areas would drop in to visit between 6:30 and 8:00 AM, and Annamarie welcomed them with loving hospitality.
Hers was a devoted life. She served both her family and the Bahá’í community. Annamatie endeavored to make every event a happy one; she truly gave delight and joy to everyone. Nothing could dampen her spirits or change her nature, which was one ofjoy personified. Perhaps that is what she learned in the arms of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Her parents told her that the Master had laughed as He held her. And Annamarie did find humor, even in the smallest things and in the simplest circumstances. Her joy and her love reached out to the world.
On May 14, 1995, the Universal House ofjustice sent the Following message:
GRIEVED NEWS PASSING DEDICATED WARM-HEARTED PIONEER FAITH ANNAMARIE BAKER. HER MANY YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SACRIFICIAL SERVICES LOVINGLY REMEMBERED. ASSURE PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES FOR PROGRESS HER RADIANT SOUL IN WORLDS OF GOD. KINDLY CONVEY OUR SYMPATHY TO HER DEAR FAMILY.
William [C Baker and Crystal Baker
