Gladys Ann Maxim Baker

Gladys was born on October 19, 1946 in Pontiac, Michigan to Max and Mary (Shagla) Maxim.  She spent her early childhood and school age years in Pontiac and Waterford.  She attended Waterford Kettering High School, class of 64, received her Bachelor of Education degree from Western Michigan University and her Masters degree from Oakland University.

Gladys married the “love of her life”, Douglas Baker in 1970, a union that lasted over 52 years.  “Gladness and Doogie”  traveled the world, and enjoyed 20 years of blissful retirement in Naples, Florida.  They enjoyed a full and loving life with family and friends (especially the grandchildren).

From 1968 to 2000 Gladys proudly taught in Waterford Public Schools.  She saw education as a calling and positively touched many young lives at Grayson and Dela Lutes Elementaries and Pierce Middle School.  She was a very successful realtor in both Florida and Michigan.  She enjoyed singing in the choir at St. Thomas Orthodox Church.

Gladys had a zest for living that transformed the lives of everyone she encountered.  She never met a stranger and brought a beauty of joy to everything she did with her sense of humor and eternal sense of optimism.  She had a remarkable ability to connect with people, share herself and make everyone she knew feel special.