Mary Margaret (Homer) Baker

Mary Margaret (Homer) Baker died peacefully Saturday evening, October 15, under the watchful eyes of loving friends and the staff at Thermopolis Rehabilitation and Wellness.

A war baby, Mary was born January 8, 1944 in Flint, Mich., the daughter of Jack and Mary Ann (Dean) Homer. Her childhood was spent in Imlay City, Mich., where she graduated from high school in 1961. She attended U of Michigan, and then transferred to U of Montana earning a Journalism Degree.  She then joined the Peace Corps being assigned to work at a health center in Korea. After a short career in journalism on the courthouse beat, she moved to Wyoming working in the field of social work and became the Teton County Office of Public Assistance & Social Services Director. 

She married Bruce Baker, an Irish-Native American native of Wyoming and later they divorced.  An avid sportswoman, Mary skied downhill and cross country, camped, hiked, and fished.  She chose to live an active, simple, healthy life with few possessions and a garden in which she grew her own vegetables for many years. She loved the West, most of all Wyoming. Mary also traveled to many European countries and Peru.

She worked in the field of social work in Casper then moved to Jackson where she was honored as Social Worker of the year in 1988. Eventually she moved to Thermopolis, attracted by the Hot Springs. She quickly became involved in the community and worked part time at the nursing home and later at Public Health.  Mary struggled most of her life with what eventually was recognized as depression and fibromyalgia. She was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2012.

Spending years in the Episcopal Church studying Church doctrine, Mary served actively as a lay person at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Thermopolis. She was part of a weekly prayer group and spoke of relying on God for peace and strength.

Mary made and kept many dear friendships throughout the years. She was always ready for an adventure and opportunities to improve the world in which she lived.

She is survived by her siblings, Elizabeth Homer, Nancy Homer, and John Homer; nephew, John-Paul Homer; niece, Ann Giese; and her grand niece and nephew Emma and Darwin Giese-Bostwick, all of Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Janet Homer.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022, 11 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church with Reverend Ron Philips officiating. A lunch will follow.

Mortimore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online messages may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.