Ann Hickey Baker

Ann Hickey Baker, age 95, of Palm Beach Gardens died peacefully on Friday evening September 16, 2022 surrounded by her family. Ann was born February 26, 1927 in Brockton, MA, the daughter of Marion (Perkins) and Daniel Hickey.
Ann graduated from Ambler High School in 1944 and married her high school sweetheart Charles ‘Jim’ Baker in 1945. Together they raised five children in Gibsonia, PA before moving to Illinois where they lived in Hinsdale and St. Charles. A life-long lover of the ocean, whether Cape Cod, Cape Hatteras or Singer Island, she taught two generations of her family how to shell, crab, and eat lobster. Ann was a stellar gourmet cook and amassed a collection of over 500 cookbooks, many of which were personally autographed to her. She was famous for the family feasts she prepared for 30 at Thanksgiving and Christmas that always featured the orange muffins her grandchildren adored. Ann was active at Baker Memorial Church in St. Charles and was a valued contributor to two church cookbooks. Over the decades, she chaired many record-breaking church dinners and rummage sales.
Ann was a faithful member of PEO for more than 30 years where she made many friends she loves fondly. Bridge was the cornerstone of her senior life. She was a lifelong player and organized her daily routine around the various bridge groups she belonged to. Like her beloved sister, Mary, known for the wonderful Christmas stockings she knit for family, Ann knit more than 30 Scottie Dog baby sweaters for her grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. Everyone who loved her knew that she was an avid reader and that her favorite color was hot pink.
Ann is survived by her children Mark (Lisa) Baker, Mount Prospect, IL; Dawn Miller, Hinsdale, IL; and Kyle (William) Hauser, Singer Island, FL; 13 cherished grandchildren and 15 dearly-loved great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews in the Baker, Goss and Hickey families. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Charles Pennington ‘Jim’ (2004); and sons Charles Pennington ‘Todd’ (2015) and Wade Hampton (2008).
A private burial and celebration of life will be held in early December in Florida. Memorials may be directed to: Trustbridge Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach FL, 33407 or PEO International in memory of Ann Baker Chapter KB addressed to Cindy Jelm, Chapter KB Treasurer, 281 Harley Lane, Geneva, IL 60134.