Philomena Baker

Philomena Baker, 84, passed away peacefully March 23, 2019, at a Brewer healthcare facility after an extended illness. She was born June 6, 1934, in Odessa, Ukraine the daughter of Wasja and Philomene (Keller) Semenenko.

Philomena came to the United States from Germany in 1959, after marrying John Baker from Fort Kent, Maine. She established Baker Studio (photography) in Fort Kent. In 1970 she moved to Hampden with her daughters, and in 1973 reestablished Baker Studio. Over the years her gift of photography has captured the emotional essence of weddings, graduations, and life events for many families throughout Maine. Her talent lives on through her keen sense of capturing the moment through her camera lens. She enjoyed race walking and was a three time gold medal champion. In 1993 her race walking achievements earned her a spot in a Sports Illustrated article. Philomena was a Reiki Master and teacher. She treasured her time volunteering in the kitchen at the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. Philomena felt it was important to give back to her community. Philomena also wrote a book with Kathryn Olmstead chronicling her life as a child going through World War 2. The book, Flight to Freedom was her dream come true. She loved to garden but more than anything her family, grandchildren, friends and pets, filled her life with joy.

Philomena is survived by two daughters; Debbie Baker of Hampden and her two sons, Nathan Baker and partner Lindsay O'Clair and Marc Thibodeau; Grace Cater and husband Ron of Dracut, MA., sisters-in-law, Hope and Jerry Bates, Joyce and Wesley Hedlund; brothers-in-law, Don Baker, Jim Baker and wife Editha, Mildred Walker (Jesse), nieces and nephews, and extended family in Germany. Life partner, Moshe Myerowitz, Gail and Zev Myerowitz, their children Benjamin and wife Sarah, Zev Jr. and wife Amber, Daniel and wife Rachel, and Jordan Myerowitz. Great grandchildren Havi, Ellie, and great grandson Kai. Very special family friend, Lynne Lally. Thank you to all the wonderful staff at Woodlands Senior Living and Beacon Hospice for their kind and gentle care.

A Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass will be held 2 PM, Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor. Friends may visit with the family from 1 PM, Saturday, until the start of the service. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor, following the service. In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401 -207-942-8902 or online at www.Bangorhumane.org or to the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, 263 Main Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Please include Philomena’s name with your gift. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com