Obituary of Corinne Lee Baker

Corinne Lee Baker of Auburn, Washington passed peacefully, at the age of 70, on April 1, 2023. She was a beautiful person, both inside and out with striking auburn hair, copper colored eyes and a sweet smile. She was a loving advocate for others all of her life.  

Corinne was born on November 30, 1952 to Bill and Betty Baker in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was the eldest of the four Baker children.  In addition, Corinne was a descendant of the MarKing Wilson family, and was one of 46 grandchildren. 

She grew up in Auburn, Washington and went to Pioneer Elementary School, Olympic Junior High and Auburn High School. While in high school, Corinne was chosen for Washington’s Girls State and traveled in Europe. After graduating with honors in 1971, Corinne attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Corinne received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education. While at BYU she authored a math textbook. She also administered the Math Lab on the main floor of the Harold B. Lee Library, supervising seven lab assistants and instructing 200 students. She later set up a Math Lab at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. 

Eventually Corinne returned to the Puget Sound area. Starting in 1985, Corinne taught at South Seattle Community College for 30 years. Her favorite course among the various classes she instructed was Business Mathematics. Interacting with students was the joy of teaching for Corinne. She loved developing a personal connection with her students and learning about their varied cultures while helping them achieve their goals. 

Corinne was a valiant member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her faith was the central focus of her life. Corinne had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ as her Savior and loved studying the scriptures. Within her church she fulfilled many responsibilities including being the Gospel Doctrine teacher for many years, the librarian and the choir director. A favorite memory was a large salmon bake she organized for her church congregation. Corinne worked with enthusiasm and skill to serve in anything she was called to do. 

A kind and talented individual, Corinne showed love to those around her. She was a gifted seamstress, sewing her own gown for the Miss Auburn pageant and creating beautiful blankets for her mother as well as her nieces and nephews to enjoy. Corinne was always dressed in beautiful clothing in autumn colors paired with the gemstone jewelry she loved to collect. She was an excellent cook who could fry a perfect pork chop. Her dogs were a constant source of joy throughout her life, including Buttons, Jocko, Misty, Barney, Reggie, and Diego. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, and cherished by those who knew her. No matter what happened to her in her life, Corinne kept a positive attitude and made the best of any situation carrying on with dignity and perseverance.

Corinne is preceded in death by her parents Bill and Betty Baker. She is survived by her younger siblings Cynthia (Gary) Hanks, Allyson Baker, and Bradley (Kristin) Baker, her nine nieces and nephews and their spouses and nine great nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 8th, 2023 at the Auburn Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 625 M Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002 at 12:30 pm.

There will be a viewing before the service at 11:30 am. 

Graveside service will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Mountain View Cemetery, Pocatello, Idaho.