Diane Marie Baker

We have lost a true gem, and she will always continue to live on in our hearts.

Diane Baker was truly an amazing teacher and person. I have so many happy memories from my years in the HJ band. She inspired me to work hard and to strive to be the best in whatever I do. My thoughts and prayers are with her family; may you find comfort and peace in knowing her legacy will endure in the countless lives she has touched and inspired.

We will forever miss our dear friend Diane. We loved her and know we will see her again. She now flies with the Angels.
God bless her family and God daughter.
Love,
David and Pam Dunivant

I wish I could be there to say goodbye in person. I so am grateful to have been part of Diane Baker's legacy. What a blessing to have been touched by her greatness - to have learned never to accept mediocrity from anyone, least of all from myself. When I recently heard the beautiful music of La Traviata I was immediately transported back to the band hall where we learned to play it for competition. She led us into an interpretation of that piece that I will never forget. Everything was a spiritual experience for her and with her. She made me truly understand and believe that all things were to be done in excellence because they were all to be done for His glory. Thank you for being who you were destined to be -- it was integral to me becoming who I was destined to be. Thank you a million times over... With a deeply grateful heart, Chalone Savant, Class of '83

My memories of the HJ Big Blue Machine and Diane Baker represent some of my fondest memories of my life. Almost 30 years later I called on her for advice regarding my own kids and their participation in middle school band. Though I had not had an occasion to see her in person since I was her student, she quickly replied to my call and offered sound advice. Words can not express the sadness and shock I felt when I learned of her passing. Thank you Ms. Baker for everything!

One of the things I remember most about Ms. Baker was the fact that if practice started at 7:00, you had better be there at 6:55. "On time" always meant five minutes early to her. I suppose it's only fitting that she left us far too early by our standards. I'm sure that to her, she was right on time. All of her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord have mercy on each of you during this difficult time, and may the countless lives she touched be a comfort.

Fly high, Pattycake. You're loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

Diane was a friend of mine since grade school. Her mother Ms. Peggy was a dear friend and co-worker of mine many years ago. You could always count on Diane for kindness, always being fun and fair in all situations. I know she will be missed very much by her precious family. Heaven has received a precious person. God Bless Her Family!

Very few memories of my high school stand out like being a part of the Big Blue Machine. There was a certain discipline required, with my upbringing it was a natural fit, Diane Baker added a human side like no one else. You will be missed.

Trying to find the right words has been so hard! I start and cry, then come back and cry!! I am full of heartbreak, but want to talk about what I gained. There would not have been this outpouring of sentiment if we had not all felt a sense of gain from Ms. Baker's contribution to our lives. This gain does not magically stop with her passing.
She was incredibly energetic, spending little energy resisting her passions. People always knew her opinion on a subject. She had a strong inner sense of where she was going and how to get there, and it was through this inner strength that she had such a powerful effect on so many of us and our community. She had the ability to make every one she taught a better person. If she was disappointed in our performance, We were more disappointed in our performance and wanted to work harder to perfect it!! If she were here now, she would say, "Don't be so sentimental. Chin Up and get on with what you were doing." We can all look at Ms. Baker as an inspiration and leader by following their self confidence. This is what should be cherished in this time of loss.
You will be truly missed! Not just an Awesome Band Director, Teacher, but an amazing Mentor and Friend!! You are leaving a big Void, and Heaven has gained More Love and some outstanding drum beats!!
Prayers for all of the family and friends!!
Love You Ms. B (Patty Cake) <3

Thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences to Dayn and his family. Ms. B was truly one of a kind and I'm so proud to have been a part of the Big Blue Machine family. She always knew just how far to push to get the most out of you. She had a way of uniting us all no matter what our social standing...we were family, period. There's not much more to be said that hasn't already...you left behind one heck of a legacy Diane Baker and I'm so glad to have known you...much love and forever in our hearts.


Love, Dena
HJ BBM c/o 1993