Claire Naomi Baker's Obituary
Claire Naomi Baker (neé Zinkhan), left this planet on September 9, 2024, to celebrate her 76th birthday in the heavens, after suffering a “cardiac incident.”
Claire was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 9, 1948, the only daughter of Sheffield Eugene Zinkhan and Irma Nathalie (neé Sawyer) Zinkhan. She attended Perry Hall High School, and at age 17 started her career as a Secretary at the National Security Agency where she worked until she retired. She married James “Jimmy” Albert Baker on August 19, 1970, and were married for 30 years, before his passing in 2000. Claire and Jimmy had one son, James “Jim” Baker Jr, who was their pride and joy. There were many pets throughout the years, but she especially loved Princess, her beloved companion after her husband passed.
Claire was a caregiver throughout the years supporting a large family that spanned generations which included great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, in-laws (and some out-laws), as well as many friends and acquaintances. Her love was boundless, and her compassion knew no end. As her family responsibilities dwindled as members passed away, she turned her pursuits to living HER best life. She sold the empty house and built a beautiful condo on the water, planning it side-by-side with her son, who said, “Those were some of the best times spent with mom.”
She took on the mantra of “living in Claire’s World” and was affectionately known to many as the “Queen”. She took every opportunity to hold court on her patio as she fed the neighborhood dogs treats from a crystal biscuit dish. She loved to travel and made trips with her son to places such as Italy, Greece, Turkey, California. More recently she had planned a grand Christmas holiday trip for her 75th and her son’s 50th birthday to Poland and Prague with a holiday market cruise on the Elba River ending with dinner on Christmas day in Berlin. Her travels included wintering in Florida and jetting here and there to visit friends she made throughout the years. Claire’s pursuits included reading, the theatre, a good martini, a glass of wine, or both, watching the GA Bulldogs, and binge watching just about anything.
Claire’s love kept the family together and she grew her universe exponentially with friends. Her chosen family included a whole host of friends in Chesapeake Harbour Community, who were simply drawn towards the center of Claire’s gravitational pull.
She is survived by her only son, James “Jim” Albert Baker, Jr., who was with her at her bedside in her final moments; Thomas and Janice Linder, her brother/sister-in-law; her godson: Tommy Linder and his children Caitlyn, Alyson, and Emily; and the Sawyers: Sylvia, JR, Chealse, Kaleb as well as their spouses and children. Claire’s love and zest for life brought so many people together, naming them all would take too long.
Claire’s wish was that no formal viewing or services occur. Her last proclamation was throwing a party and celebrate all life has to offer. As directed by the Queen, there will be a Celebration of Life is planned for October 26, 2024, for family, close friends, and colleagues by invitation. There will be several other event plans posted to Facebook as time permits.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Anne Arundle Country ASPCA https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/AACSPCA a cause near and dear to her heart or to the Fisher House supporting veterans and their family www.fisherhouse.org
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