Carol S. Baker, 77, of Superior, died February 4, 2025, at Solvay Hospice house surrounded by her family.

Carol was born in Duluth on Dec. 8, 1947, the daughter of Terho and Violet (Hakkila) Teppo. She graduated from Superior Senior High School with the class of 1966, went to UW-Superior to complete a bachelor's degree in 1970, and later completed her master's degree.

Carol married the love of her life, Nicholas Baker, on June 26, 1970. Carol and Nick celebrated 54 years of marriage, creating many beautiful memories together. They were the best of friends whose love and dedication to each other was an inspiration to all. Carol and Nick cherished spending time together with their friends and family. Their most beloved years were spent camping with family and lifelong friends, sharing laughter and stories over a campfire.

Carol was a teacher in the Duluth School District from 1970-73, but soon after paused her teaching career to raise her three children, Raymond, Jeffrey, and Steven. They lovingly referred to her in this role as, "Goldilocks and her three bears." She returned to teaching in 1990 for the Maple School District. As a teacher she taught multiple grades, special education, and was a reading specialist, before she retired in 2005.

Shortly after Carol's retirement came perhaps her most favorite lifetime role, a loving Grandma. Although Carol was a mother to three boys, she absolutely treasured being a grandmother to three special girls, Bella, Whitney, and Angela. Carol filled this role with so much love, patience, and happy, memorable moments. The admiration between her and her granddaughters was mutual. She loved to cook with them, read many stories, create beautiful artwork, and snuggle up to a great movie. Carol's granddaughters will forever remember her tenderness, love, and grace.

Carol was a beautiful person who treated everyone around her with kindness. She was quietly brave and strong, and in true Finnish character she exemplified "sisu", a Finnish term meaning tenacity and resilience.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her only sister and best friend, Debra Szymaszek, whom she treasured with her whole heart; and brothers, Terence, Brian, and Kevin Teppo.

Carol is survived by her husband, Nick; sons, Raymond (Violeta) Baker of Chilpancingo, Mexico, Jeffrey (Lisa) Baker of Superior, and Steven Baker of Superior; grandchildren, Bella, Whitney, and Angela; brothers, Larry (Linda) Teppo of St. Paul and Bruce (Beth) Teppo of Proctor; sister-in-law, Mary (Terence) Teppo of Princeton, MN; aunts, Audrey and Deloris Hakkila; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and special canine friend, Rocky, who was her daily visitor.

A Celebration of Carol's Life will be held on Saturday July 26, 2025 from Noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Billings Park Civic Center. Private family interment will be in Lake Nebagamon Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Carol's doctor, Daniel Nikcevich, MD, PhD, (Essentia Health Duluth), and his staff.