Cleo Yvonne BAKER

Cleo passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family and friends.

Cleo was a glamour queen in jeans who wasn't afraid to pack a little lipstick beside her pistol. She was a blue-eyed beauty with long flowing dark hair who had an infectious smile and a laugh that brought joy and opened hearts. Her hugs were warm and authentic.

From early on she had clear lines drawn between what she saw as right or wrong. She lived by a deep moral code and naturally defended the underdog. She had a rare balance of kindness, honesty and assertiveness. She was passionate about helping people and animals.

Cleo helped save an unknown number of lives during her 41 years of sobriety. She was not a fair-weather friend; she was built of grit and determination. She would support you through your lowest times and celebrate your victories.

Cleo was a brave and fierce yet gentle and caring ally and advocate to all she assisted. She was a lifelong learner.

Cleo embraced people from different backgrounds and cultures with arms wide open. She was able to help countless students through her position as an International Student Support at NLC in Fort St John, BC. “She accepted everyone without judgment and was kind to all. She walked with so many through their situations while enjoying the little things. "Jitesh"  

Cleo loved adventure. From working cows with Big Buck, to Wagon treks, and riding Milly the mule with the wolfhounds alongside. Outdoor adventures and camping trips with her students and friends. She enjoyed bringing Katie her Irish wolfhound and Pint her mini pony to NLC to integrate them with the students and faculty. The adventure didn't stop there. She danced her way into your heart literally. Whether it was a 2 step, bhangra or belly dancing. She joyfully tried new things and encouraged others to come along.

A list of those left to cherish her memory is far too long to include here. She is survived by her two children and her family. Mother Maureen (Charley); daughter Brandy; Son Jesse; brother Robbie (Kathryn); sister Joy (Dennis); brother Jay (Kerry) and many nieces and nephews. She will always be a mother to her many “kids” she adopted throughout the years.

I shall

Gather up

All the lost souls

That wander this earth

All the ones that are alone

All the ones that are broken

All the ones that never really fitted in

I shall gather them all up

And together we shall find our home.

- Athey Thompson

A Celebration of Life will be held at Northern Lights College, Fort St. John, BC on June 3, 2024 at 5:00 PM

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