(1948-2025)

Sister Donna Marie Baker died on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 76 years of age and in the 58th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Donna Marie was born in Detroit to Patrick L. and Virginia (Wyrauch) Baker. She graduated from St. Agatha High School in Detroit and obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a master’s degree in Reading/Consultant/Resource from Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Sister Donna spent 48 years ministering in education in Southgate, Michigan; Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, and West Palm Beach, Florida; and Slidell, Louisiana. This includes serving 13 years as assistant elementary principal at St. Margaret Mary School in Slidell and 15 years as junior high school teacher and two years as the middle school director at Rosarian Academy, a legacy institution of the Congregation in West Palm Beach. Sister Donna became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2023.

Sister Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers William and Patrick. She is survived by her sisters Linda Anderson (James), Mary Beihl (Bernie), Sharron Valentine, and Colleen Wilson (Steve); brothers Dennis Baker and Michael Baker (Kay); other loving family members; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2025. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. 

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

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