Bernadine “Toni” Baker, 87, passed away in Traverse City, Michigan, on September 22, 2026. Toni was born on October 21,1938, in Detroit Michigan to Bernard and Adeline Goodnough.

Growing up, Toni was known as a tom boy, she would often stick up for her brothers when they got in fights and was not afraid to throw a punch. This earned her the nickname Toni the tiger, and that's why we call her Toni today. Toni worked with her mother at Lofy's restaurant on Tireman road in Detroit.

Toni married Frank Baker, February 1968.They bought a house in Detroit where they lived and loved. They also bought property up north, where they spent many weekends clearing the land, making it ready for building their forever home. They moved up north in 1978 after finishing the home.

After their move to Elk Rapids Toni worked at the Town Club, a place she returned to after retiring, to simply sip Arnold Palmers and bus tables for the waitresses when they got busy. Brendan, the owner, had a special place for her in his heart, and at the bar, where she sold many Harbor Days buttons.

Toni made many long-time friendships in her job as housekeeper, which she did for several years for many local families. Following this she continued her career as a custodian for Sacred Heart Parish in Elk Rapids. where many years later, she retired.

Toni especially loved her role as a volunteer for the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce, raising money by selling buttons for Elk Rapids Harbor Days Fireworks. She quickly became known as the button lady. Adorned with her “official” sash full of prior years’ harbor days buttons, Toni would hit the streets, gently convincing people of their “need” to buy a button to support the cause. Everyone saw her coming and “waited” to buy a button from her. She made many new friends this way. Toni loved people and welcomed everyone with a smile and kind word.

Toni was also known for her homemade candy that she shipped to relatives and hand delivered to many, many lucky people. She was seen at many of her grandkids' ball games with a notebook and pencil, keeping score, cheering on the team and heckling the refs.

Christmas was magical at Toni’s; there was not an inch of wall space that did not have a decoration on it. Lights on every window and lights adorning the whole house. Santa and his reindeer lit up in the yard. The table spread with every piece of candy that she did not pass out.

The family would like to thank Nikki, from Hospice of Michigan for her gentle care and great communication during a very difficult time. Also a big thank you to the staff at French Manor Lafranier T.C. where she resided the last 2 years. The staff there said she remained feisty to the very end, living up to her nickname of Toni the Tiger.

Toni will be missed by her children, John(Karen)Baker, Joanne Greiner(Rob), and Kathy Baker, Step sons, Tom(Kathy)Baker, Jeff Baker. Grandchildren, Jennifer Graff(Baker), Mike(Allyssa)Greiner, John(Jordan)Greiner, Jason(Brittney)Baker, and Shelby Ray, Jessica(Mike)Moore, Mike Maciejewski, Stefan Baker, Kyra(Baker)Sedgewick and Great Grandchildren, Baker, Levin, Emerson, Masyn, Owen, Charles, Hannah, Emma, Luke, Lily, Katie. Also her siblings Jack(Rita)Goodnough, Jan Chisesi.

Toni was preceded in death by her husband Frank, Stepson Robert Baker, Siblings Donna(Bill)Klein, Shirley(Bud)Evans, Mary Ann(Ed)Hall, Bernard ”Sonny”(Linda) Goodnough, and brother in law Harry Chisesi. Also Granddaughter Jennifer Maciejewski

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids in care of the new building fund. 143 Charles Street, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Sacred Heart of Elk Rapids Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com