Harriet Stephanie Baker, nee Gieneles, age 87, of O’Fallon, Ill., born June 20, 1937 in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away Tuesday morning, December 10, 2024, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Harriet was employed as an office manager for Mass Mutual Life Ins. Co., before working in partnership with her late husband’s accounting firm. Together, they served many clients throughout the St. Louis and metro-east community.
Harriet was a longtime community advocate in O’Fallon, contributing countless hours to make the community a better place to be. She was a master gardener with the O’Fallon Garden Club, and served on the O’Fallon Library Board and the O’Fallon Veterans’ Monument Committee.
She was a long-time, well-respected member and past President of the O’Fallon Woman’s Club, Inc., where she chaired the Prince and Princess program for over 14 years. She could often be spotted face-painting at various local picnics, festivals, and parades, while supporting the O’Fallon community as well as the greater Shriners’ organization. Harriet was also a member of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Swansea, where she served as the treasurer.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles “Chuck” Baker, AKA “Chuckles the Clown,” her parents Stephen and Anna, nee Maliongas, Gieneles; her sister Frances Gieneles.
Survivors include her three daughters Dr. Elaine (John Vlahek) Doias, Joanna (Richard) McMahon, Tina (Dave) Hagelstein, grandchildren Richie McMahon, Sean McMahon, and Taylor (Nick) Kane; and several stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Memorial donations are suggested to Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church or to Shriner’s Hospital. Harriet’s family is grateful to the caregivers that offered comfort and kindness, especially Jennifer Santen.
Visitation: The family will receive friends 9:30–11 a.m., Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 405 Huntwood Rd., Swansea, Ill.
Funeral: Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the church, with Rev. Achilles Karathanos, presiding. Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill. Services entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.
