Miriam Kostkos Baake, 99, of San Diego, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022 at Poway Gardens Senior Living Center.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whom we all loved and will miss immensely.

Miriam was born on February 3, 1923 in Oak Park, Illinois, the oldest of  the three daughters of Henry and Mary (Cullen) Kostkos.  She married Donald Baake on June 19, 1948 in Westfield, New Jersey.  Donald and Miriam moved around the country throughout much of their marriage, raising five children and making many friends along the way.  They ultimately settled in southern California in 1963, living in Northridge, Manhattan Beach, Chatsworth and San Diego at various times.

In 1981, Miriam lost her beloved husband of 33 years to cancer when he was only 58.  Miriam continued to work as an administrative assistant for Teledyne Northridge Group until her retirement at 70 years of age.  In 2000, she moved back to San Diego where she took up line dancing and other exercise classes, as well as adult education enrichment classes.  She enjoyed traveling to visit her children and grandchildren and other extended family.  Miriam was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Michael Catholic Church in Poway.

Miriam is survived by her children Marian (Gary) Gionnette, Champaign, IL; Susan (James) Kelly, Novato, CA; Donald (Beverly) Baake, San Diego, CA; Michael (Susan) Baake, Los Angeles, CA; and Daniel (Katherine) Baake, Park City, UT.  She was the proud grandmother to ten grandchildren: Daryl (Julie) Gionnette, Kami Gionnette, Jeffrey (Katherine) Gionnette, Michael (Lena) Gionnette, Andrew (Claire) Gionnette, Dana Baake, Melissa Baake, Matthew Baake, Grace Baake, and Olivia Baake.  In addition, Miriam was blessed with nine great-grandchildren.

Miriam was preceded in death by her sisters Eileen Baake and Maureen Ford.  Miriam will be laid to rest beside her husband Donald on December 19, 2022 at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.  May you rest in peace, dear Mother.