Catherine Baker, 81, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2008, at Aspen Ridge Retirement Village in Gaylord surrounded by her family.

Born Catherine E. Bushey on November 27, 1926 to Raymond and Mae (Stewart) Bushey and was a lifelong Alpena resident. She graduated from Alpena High School in 1943 and worked at Peoples State Bank until 1946, at which time she married Melvin Baker on November 23, 1946 at St. Anne Catholic Church. Catherine retired from Alpena General Hospital in 1979 after a 17-year career in administration.

Catherine is survived by her husband of 61 years, Melvin Baker of Alpena; five children, Bonnie and husband Donald Brilinski-Leonard of Saginaw, Karen and husband Thomas Werth of Riverton, Wyoming, Patrick and wife Pauleen of Dutch John, Utah, Gerald and wife Mary Baker of Sheridan, Michigan, and Paul Baker of Lake Fenton; seven grandchildren, Beth, Janella, Scott, Jon, Travis, Megan and Jaris; 3 step-grandchildren, Gene, Jerry and Randy; and four great-grandchildren. Catherine is also survived by her sister, Ruth Julian, of Alpena and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Michael, in 1999 as well as her parents, Raymond and Mae Bushey, and brother Ray.

Catherine served as the past president of the Alpena branch of the National Association for Accountants, Charter member of Volunteers at Alpena General Hospital, Board member of Hospice of Michigan, as well as a 30-years dedicated volunteer member of DCCW at St. Catherine Catholic Church.

Mrs. Baker is at the Bannan Funeral Home where friends may call on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday at St. Catherine Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Stan Bereda officiating.

Interment: St. Catherine Catholic Church

Memorials: Hospice of Michigan or St. Catherine Catholic Church of Ossineke Altar Society