Sandra "Sandy" Kay Baker, 82, of Hermantown, MN, passed away on March 26, 2025 surrounded by her loving family after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Sandy was born in Duluth July 9, 1942 to Louis and Mildred Beckman. She moved to Hermantown as a child and graduated from Hermantown High School in 1960 where she was Homecoming Queen. Soon after graduation, she married the love of her life Mark J. Baker in 1961 and were married for 61 years while raising four children.

Employed by Hermantown Schools, Sandy spent 24 years as a food service cook. During this time, she met life-long friends that she stayed close with well after retirement. The "Lunch Ladies" met regularly for breakfast and socializing. She also kept in close contact with her Hermantown high school classmates getting together monthly for lunch.

Sandy enjoyed camping and fishing with her husband, sister Christy and brother-in-law Jack and the occasional visit to the local casino. She spent time in Arizona during the winter months. Other activities she enjoyed included shopping and finding things to decorate with which was evident in her beautifully decorated home. Sandy also loved watching her kids and grandkids play sports along with attending other school activities.  She also loved planting flowers in the Spring time. Above all, she loved the family gathering for meals, holidays and many other special events.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mark; daughter, Cheryl Baker (Benson); and sister, Christy Beckman (Williams).

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Laurie Kokora (George); sons, Brett (Lisa) and Eric (Shawn); and grandchildren, Breanne, Mikayla Foley (Ryan), Brendan, Dylan and sister Donna Hall.

Family would like to extend a special thank you to Essentia Health Hospice staff for their compassionate care and kindness in her final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 5th from 12:00 – 2:00 at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown.