Alvina Louisa Baker
May 15, 1934 – October 1, 2023
Alvina Baker (née Lukan) was born to Louis and Julia (née Schwingenschloegl) Lukan on May 15, 1934, at the family home east of Pilger, Saskatchewan. She was raised on the family farm and took her schooling first at St. Bernard’s Country School and later at Merrywood Country School. On October 27, 1953, she married the love of her life, Keith Baker. The couple continued to farm in the area, eight miles east of Middle Lake, SK and raised their eight children there: Brian, David, Rhonda, Yvette, Billy, Tommy, Gail, Robbie. Her hands were always busy with babies, sewing, mending, haircuts, baking, gardening, canning and ceramics. Alvina and Keith together, built the most beautiful farmyard and home which continues to be used by the family. The consummate perfectionist, her farmhouse was immaculate, and her windows were crystal-clear. The smell of freshly baked bread and buns always filled the air. Even when her children got off the bus, the aroma was already in the air. All her children knew her “corner cupboard” was full of treats, mainly cookies and squares. Her activities included bowling with Clarence, Ermina, Jim and Florianna. Alvina and Ermina formed a tight bond through their many nights traveling to bowling, bingo, and ceramics in Humboldt. And Marie, the little sister... the two had a big sister - little sister bond all those years that was even more evident as Alvina’s health started to fail. When Alvina and her sisters, Viola, Ermina and Marie got together, their laughter was never-ending. One memorable trip she treasured, was with her brother, Roman and sister-in-law, Anne. She said she had the best time of her life; they were a very tight- knit family. However, her biggest smiles were on her face when the grandchildren would show up for sleepovers and summer holidays. What fun to be with Grandma in the camper at Greenwater Lake during the summer. She was very competitive with those board games. Oh, how she loved those grandchildren! It’s hard to find a picture of her without a baby on her lap or having tons of fun with the grandchildren. As they got older, she was always excited to attend basketball, volleyball, soccer, or dance recitals. When Keith died in May of 2008, Alvina lost some of her spark, but continued to maintain the farmyard. A familiar scene was observing Alvina ride her lawn mower and tending to her flower garden. After a heart attack and stroke, Alvina had to move off the farm into Aspen long-term care, at Bethany Pioneer Village. Thank you to all of the workers and medical staff who helped to take such good care of our Mom and Grandma. We will miss you so much. You gave all you had to our Dad, your children and grandchildren. We love you, we miss you, but we know your journey on earth is over and you are free of pain. We feel so comforted in knowing that dad will be there to take your hand. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23) Alvina is survived by: son, Brian and family: Tracy (Scott) Broughton, children: Isabella, Alanna and Nickolas; and Jennifer (Ryan) Sproule, children: Emily, Jon, James and Josh; son David (Rose) and family: Michael; and Brett (Jennifer), children: Eric, Ellie, and Sarah; daughter Rhonda; daughter Yvette (Gerard) Baran and daughter, Angela (Josh Ryan); son Bill (Debby) and family: Ryan (Stephanie Daum); and Daniel (Taylor Bjarnason); son Tom (Brenda) and family: Brynn (Vanessa Reid); Brittany (fiancé Kyle Gimas), children Isaac and Iylah; and Nathan; daughter Gail; son Rob (Andrea) and family: Alexandra (Mitch) Lins, children Scarlett and Ellis; Adam (Katie); Julie (Nathan) Hauser; and Luke; sisters: Ermina Theisen, Marie Matisz; brother-in-law John Matisz; and sisters-in-law: Phyllis Lamb and Joyce Lamb. She was predeceased by: husband Keith Baker; daughter-in-law Joanne Baker; great-grandson Aiden Keith Lins; parents Louis and Julia Lukan; brothers: Wilfred (infancy), Roman and James Lukan; sister Viola Pfaff; parents-in-law William and Edna Baker; sisters-in-law: Florianna Lukan, Rosa Baker and Anne Lukan (October 2, 2023); and brothers-in-law: Bromley Baker, Robert Baker, Edward Baker, Vern Lamb, Wayne Lamb, Clarence Theisen, and Edwin Pfaff. The Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, Middle Lake, celebrated by Fr. Colin Roy and concelebrated by Fr. Benjamin Ezekwudo. Others taking part were: Adam Baker, crossbearer; Andrea Baker and Yvette Baran, scripture readers; Angela Baran and Luke Baker, gift bearers; Stacey Griffin, memorial table attendant; and Michael Baker, eulogist. Music ministry was provided by director, pianist and soloist, Rhonda Baker, and members of the Canadian Martyrs Parish Choir. The urnbearer was Rob Baker. Honorary pallbearers were Brian Baker, David Baker, Bill Baker, Tom Baker, Rob Baker and Gerard Baran. Interment took place at Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Cemetery, Middle Lake, SK, followed by a fellowship luncheon at the Middle Lake Multi-Plex. Memorial donations may be directed to Bethany Pioneer Village (P.O. Box 8, Middle Lake, SK, S0K 2X0) or Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Church (P.O. Box 271, Middle Lake, S0K 2X0).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)