Leona Marie Baker — 'Nonie'
'Sacred Spotted Fawn Woman' & 'Woman who breaks hearts'
Sunrise: June 9, 1949, to Sunset: Jan. 1, 2023
With sadness, we advise the passing of our dear Elder Leona Marie Baker (nee: Hopkins) in Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, B.C., on New Year's Day.
Leona was affectionately known as 'Nonie.'
She was born to her parents, Mary Bertha Mowry (nee: Wallace) and Harry Hopkins, on June 9, 1949.
She grew up in D'Arcy, Mount Currie, East Van, and Vancouver, B.C.
Nonie attended Black Creek Elementary, Elphinstone Elementary Eric Hamber Secondary School, Lillooet Secondary School, and Kitsilano Secondary School.
She took Family and Community Counselling; Drug and Alcohol Counselling; Addiction Support; and Group Facilitating with a focus on Indigenous Families through the Vancouver Native Education Centre with several cousins.
She worked as a waitress for many years while raising a family and getting educated to help her community.
After she retired, she volunteered as the resident Elder for the Indigenous Residential School Society, and many of the prisons around Vancouver.
She raised her children on X̱wemelch'stn, Capilano Indian Reserve No. 5 in West Vancouver.
Nonie was the kindest soul; she was always willing to lend a helping hand and never looked down on anybody. She loved caring for her beautiful garden.
Nonie was also part of the Sundance Families. She was spiritual and enjoyed attending powwows, healing ceremonies and gatherings.
She was one of the first people who started the sweat lodges down Capilano. She will best be remembered for being loving, caring, supportive, and encouraging.
She is survived by her husband G. Wayne Baker; children Sean, Michael, Darcy; grand-children Mike, Alexandra, Emily, Angelina; great-grandchildren Sean, Selina, Zoey, Derek; siblings: Yvonne, Kathleen, Colleen, Lorna, Richard, Kika, Allan, Brian, Margaret, Jennifer, Kenny, Michelle, and many loving relatives and dear friends.
Online condolences can be found at www.dignitymemorial.ca.
Livestream available at www.funeraweb.tv.
