News Summary
The city of Jacksonville is in mourning after the passing of Nancy A Baker, a beloved philanthropist and matriarch, who dedicated her life to family and community service. Her legacy of generosity and kindness touched many lives, and her family invites the community to celebrate her life and impact.
Jacksonville Community Grieves the Loss of Cherished Philanthropist Nancy A Baker
Jacksonville, FL – The city is in mourning following the peaceful passing of Nancy A Baker, a beloved mother, grandmother, and philanthropist, who left this world on April 26, 2025, surrounded by her cherished family. As news of her death spread throughout the community, friends and loved ones have come together to remember a truly remarkable woman who touched many lives.
A Life Well-Lived
Nancy was born on a chilly day in Berlin, Wisconsin, to William and Adelia Sackett Ihland. At a tender age of six, her family made the move to sunny Miami, Florida, where she would grow up and blossom into the loving soul many knew. Graduating from Coral Gables High School’s Class of 1958, she dedicated her life not just to her family, but also to enriching the community she loved dearly.
Nancy was often described as the heart and soul of her family. Her warmth and kindness radiated in every interaction, making her a friend to everyone she encountered. Her dedication to philanthropy was evident through her active volunteering with organizations such as the Jacksonville Symphony and The Florida Theater, where her positive spirit uplifted many.
A Lifelong Partner
In 1958, Nancy took a momentous step in her life when she married George Baker, and together they formed a partnership that defined love and support. As a devoted mother, Nancy raised three children—Steven, Susan, and Sherry—imparting values of empathy and generosity that have shaped their lives. She stood as a confidante and friend to each of them, embodying the essence of maternal love.
A Nursing Career Full of Adventure
After graduating from nursing school in 1975, Nancy fanned the flames of her passion for helping people. She began her career as an emergency nurse, a role she excelled in by bringing care and comfort to those in distress. However, Nancy found an even greater joy when she transitioned to cruise ship nursing, combining her love for healthcare with her passion for travel. Along with George, she explored the world, creating lasting memories that her family will forever cherish.
A Legacy of Love
Outside of her work, Nancy enjoyed simple pleasures, from bowling to playing golf. She brought enthusiasm to the lanes and a competitive spirit to the greens, inspiring her family to take part in these fun pastimes. As a matriarch, she proudly claimed her role as a guiding light for her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including beloved names like Kelly Kaufman and Jordan Bishop, and a total of 13 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.
Touching Many Hearts
Nancy’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the memories of her siblings, Jan Roberts, Sandi Hadley, and Roger Ihland, along with the countless nieces and nephews she adored. Spanning generations, her influence reached wide across her family and beyond, as her warmth and kindness reminded everyone of the beauty in community and compassion.
Remembering Nancy’s Impact
As the family navigates this difficult time, they wish to express their heartfelt gratitude for the indelible impact Nancy had not just on them, but on the entire Jacksonville community. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society, an organization dear to Nancy’s heart.
A Celebration of Life to Come
In the near future, the Baker family plans to hold a Celebration of Life to honor Nancy and her incredible journey. They invite anyone whose life was touched by this extraordinary woman to join them and share fond memories.
Nancy A Baker will be remembered not just as a mother and grandmother, but as a true beacon of love and philanthropy in Jacksonville. May her legacy continue to inspire generosity and kindness in everyone who had the privilege to know her.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Nancy Baker Obituary
- The New York Times: Liberty Bell and Nancy Baker
- Crozet Gazette: Diane G. Spangler
- Los Angeles Times: Santa Monica Pier Coverage
- Brown-Forward: Nancy Hamilton Obituary
- Google Search: Nancy Baker Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
