Mary was born on December 7, 1925, in Crawfordsville, Iowa to Rowland and Blodwen Davis. She attended the Wyman Community school system. After graduating from high school, Mary attended Parsons College State University and received her teaching degree. She was subsequently employed as an elementary school teacher and principal in Sigourney, Iowa. Mary always enjoyed fashion design (and sewing) and eventually attended the Ray Vogue School of Merchandising and Design in Chicago, IL. While employed at Ray Vogue she met her future husband Dean David Baker, who was attending the Northwestern University College of Dentistry. She and Dean were married in August of 1950 at the Salem Welsh Presbyterian Church in Louisa County, which was the church she attended while growing up on her father's farm. After Dean completed dental school, they moved to Marshalltown in 1952. Dean and Mary had two children, Diana Kay born in 1953 and Gerald born in 1954.

Throughout her life she found joy as an active participant in the community and church. She was a member of the 1st United Presbyterian Church, PEO, Starpha, the Marshalltown assistance league, early American glass club, the Dreamettes singing group, numerous bridge clubs, the Elmwood country club and a coffee group for over 43 years. Throughout her life she was involved in following the financial markets where she was a gifted investor.

She enjoyed her life as a homemaker and was involved in the joy and fulfillment of her husband's and children's lives and activities. She also enjoyed playing golf, tennis, softball and bowling. She was a lifetime fan of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Cubs.

Mary's love of her family and her faith in God were her top priorities. She loved life and was proud of her Welsh heritage. She attended many Welsh sing festivals in Minneapolis, Chicago and the national Gymanfa Ganu in Wales. Mary was courageous, ambitious, modest, and happy meeting the challenges in her life knowing that “her today was the best that she knew how to make it”. For her family, she was a perfect role model.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Dr. Gerry Baker (Linda) from Des Moines, her son-in-law Dr. William Brownson (Terry) from San Clemente, CA, her grandchildren David Brownson (Cammie) from Laguna Niguel, CA, Meredith Estremo (Peter) from Livermore, CA, Rebecca Hodgson (Dave) from Portland, OR, Dr. Jennifer Baker (Scott) from Santa Monica, CA and Stephanie Baker (Meash) from La Jolla, CA. Her great grandchildren are Dean and Ayla Brownson, Diana and Pierce Estremo, Asher Hodgson, Reece & Caden Schumaker and Hudson Dubiel.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Rowland and Blodwen, her husband Dean, her daughter Diana Kay (Brownson) and her sister Norma (Whitham).

The family would like to thank the loving care she received at the Glenwood Assisted Living Home.

A memorial fund has been designated for the 1st United Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown.