Carol Baker

Age 71, died peacefully on January 29, 2019. Carol was born December 27, 1947, the daughter of Richard and Kathleen (Shea) Smith. She earned her Doctorate at Virginia Tech, eventually moving to Kalamazoo to work at Upjohn. After a successful career in microbial physiology, Carol retired in 2013. She loved her garden along with Tai Chi and yoga. She and her husband of 49 years, Bernard, were strong supporters of the Kalamazoo Symphony and Fontana. Carol enjoyed giving back to her community and sat on the boards of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Michigan Yoga Association and Michigan Festival of Sacred Music. She also helped run GISMO at the Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center. Carol was preceded in death by her parents. Surviving are her husband, Bernard; daughter, Kathleen; sister, Virginia (Smith) Zambrana; and 2 nieces: Caroleen Kelly and Julia George. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, P.O. Box 50566; Kalamazoo, MI 49005. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269-375-2900). Please visit Carol’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her on line guestbook.