Andrea Lynn Baker

ANDREA LYNN BAKER age 24 of Aurora, passed away, Monday, July 17, 2006 of injuries she sustained in an auto accident. Though her death was tragic, her life in this world continues as far more than just a memory. As a Gift of Hope organ and tissue donor, Andrea will live on literally in the hearts of strangers, children will run and teens will talk on cell phones because every fiber of Andrea’s being will have been given to make the "ultimate network" live within them. For a young woman of such vibrant energy, there could be no greater tribute. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Andrea’s name to benefit Gift of Hope and other ministries and charities to be determined. Memorial checks may be made to the Andrea Lynn Baker Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address through her obituary at www.conleycare.com. Information: 800-8-CONLEY.BORN / EARLY YEARSAndrea was born September 23, 1981 in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Steven Lawrence and Rhonda Lou (Moore) Baker I. Anxious to be born, Andrea had no patience with the hospital or an obstetrician. She arrived with lights and sirens, a show-stopping, heart pounding appearance for a couple of fire fighters. It was a sign of things to come. EDUCATIONAndrea grew up in Aurora, attending Freeman Grade School, Washington Jr. High and graduated from West Aurora High School with the class of 1999. She loved to sing, loved the stage and loved life. At www.myspace.com, her favorite quote from "Rent", said it plain and clear: "no day but today". Andrea’s enthusiasm for life took the stage with her in many productions from high school, to summer theater, to singing for the Easter Seal Telethon. Just days before her death she played the part of the mayor’s wife in Seussical, a musical a-la-Dr. Seuss. Whether on-stage or just on-the-phone, Andrea was always "on"!If it seemed that she lived for the moment however, make no mistake, she knew the "keeper of her days" and shared that faith in many ways. Her faith journey included some years at Faith Tabernacle and later, confirmation at the First Presbyterian Church, Aurora. She made two mission trips to Osaka, Japan and was looking forward to a third. In the world of Christian Education, Andrea became a teacher’s assistant at the Covenant Christian School in Aurora where she also coached basketball and directed the theater. All of this, while pursuing an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice at Waubonsee Community College. Following graduation from Waubonsee in 2005, Andrea was on her way to a degree in elementary education at Aurora University. SURVIVORS She is survived by her father, Steven Lawrence Baker I of Aurora, IL;Her mother, Rhonda Lou Johnson of Hollywood, FL,One sister, Katie Allison (Alex) Rivera of Aurora, IL Two brothers: Steven Michael (Audrey) Baker of Frankfurt, ILAnd Adam Jeffrey (Rachel) Baker of Indianapolis, INThe "love of her life", Rob Fredrickson of Geneva, ILNine nieces and nephews:Katie’s family: Caleb and Landon;Steven’s family: Jonathan, Melanie, Myles, Noah and Megan;Adam’s family: Steven Lawrence Baker II and Hannah Elizabeth.Her maternal grandparents: Lyndal (James) Patterson of Aurora, IL and Al Moore of Carmi, IL, Several aunts and uncles:Michael (Tammy) Moore of Cape Coral, FLSteven (Liz) Patterson of Millington, IL,Roger (Valerie) Patterson of Bluford, ILGary Patterson, Wayne City, IL Kathy (David) Rodriguez of Aurora, IL and Donald (Debbie) Baker of Sugar Grove, IL Many cousins and countless friends of all ages. PRECEDED She is preceded by her paternal grandparents: Donald F. and Leona M. (Latshaw) Baker I, and one aunt, Deborah Moore.

Friends and family will gather at the First Presbyterian Church, Aurora, Saturday to say goodbye, to celebrate Andrea’s faith and the memory of her life. Visitation will begin Friday, July 21, 2006 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn from 4-8pm. Visitation will continue Saturday morning, at church, July 22 from 9am until 10:30am at the First Presbyterian Church, Fourth and Downer Place, Aurora. Her funeral service will begin at 11am, the Rev. Robert Urquhart will officiate

Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 414 N. River St., Montgomery, Il.