Janet Weidenhammer Baker

Janet Baker (née Weidenhammer), 91, of Hendersonville, died September 29, 2021, at Pardee Hospital. Born on September 28, 1930, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she lived in Highspire, Pennsylvania, throughout her public-school years, where she graduated valedictorian, class of 1948.  She was an active member of the Highspire Church of God.

In 1952, she graduated from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA, with a degree in Music Education. She taught school in Boiling Springs, PA, for one year before marrying the love of her life Robert, to whom she was married for 68 years. His job took them to Niagara Falls, NY, where they lived all but six of the following 39 years. She taught school for another year in NY, then worked at Hooker Chemical Corporation until she retired to raise a family.  In addition to NY, they also lived briefly in Houston and Dallas.

Throughout her life, she was a dedicated volunteer.  In North Tonawanda, NY, she served on the DeGraff Hospital Volunteer Board, including a term as President; she was also an active member of North Presbyterian Church, serving in the choir and as a Deacon.

When her husband was transferred in 1986, she moved to Dallas. There she was a member of the Harris Methodist H.E.B Hospital Auxiliary, where she served in a variety of roles, including Board President and head of the volunteers.  In 1991, upon her husband’s retirement, she moved to Hendersonville, where she became an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, serving on the Presbyterian Women’s Board, in the church choir, and as a Deacon. In 2015 she retired from the church choir after singing in choirs for 75 continuous years.

In each place they lived, she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Janet was predeceased by her parents J. Landis Weidenhammer and Hilda (née Weaver).  She is survived by her husband Robert E. Baker, daughters Linda Glajch (David), Endicott, NY, and Cindy Gluckstein (Barry), Elma, NY, and granddaughters Jessica Glajch and Shelby Kielbasa.

A service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on October 16, 2021, at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe Street, Hendersonville, NC 28791, or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.