DOWNEY – Maxine Baker passed away peacefully on Nov. 29 surrounded by her family. 

Maxine was born in Esmond, North Dakota on Feb. 26, 1917 to Hilbert A. Howe and Bernice La Grave Howe. 

Music was the centerpiece of Howe family life. Maxine’s dad and all the children played various instruments in the family orchestra. Maxine was an accomplished pianist, violinist and vocalist. She sang and played piano with her own traveling band. 

Maxine met her husband, Harry Baker, also a musician, in Big Bear. They were married in 1940. Maxine gave up her music career to raise three daughters in Downey. 

Though Maxine graduated from high school in Longview, Washington, she spent most of her adult years in California, where she was a musician, a mother and a real estate broker. 

The family had a private Celebration of Life on the Oregon Coast. Donations in her memory may be made to Cascade Health Foundation’s hospice program.