The Marie Demetrius Baker story
October is recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a special time when we read about people who have and have survived breast cancer. In early October, as I read the inspiring stories, I thought to myself, who writes about those who have passed away from breast cancer? I then decided to write about my dear friend and sister, Marie Demetrius Baker. I prefer to say that Marie received her ultimate promotion on March 8, 2018 after fighting the good fight of faith.
Marie was from a large and loving family in Temple Hall. She had eleven siblings, seven boys and four girls. Marie would say all of her siblings had a special love for her because she was the last girl! Her parents, Beryl (now age 92) and Kenneth Demetrius (deceased), ensured stability, responsibility, and discipline at home. They also stressed the importance of school and church attendance.
I met Marie at the Temple Hall Mennonite Church, and we quickly became friends. I saw her as a mentor and an example of all that a young lady should be. Marie would work selflessly in the local church as youth president, chorister, and Sunday school teacher. She also served at the national level as a member of the youth and conference planning committees. The Lord favoured her, and when she completed college, she had a choice of two job offers, and she chose what she considered an impactful journey in the insurance industry.
JOURNALLING
Marie got married to Leyton Baker on October 20, 2001, and it turned out to be a great love story! Baby Hannah Leigh would come a few years later. Marie was happy and contented.
A different aspect of Marie’s life started in 2005. In her own words, she said, “It was the obvious bulge in my chest that made me curious. I touched it and confirmed it with my husband, who wanted me to visit the doctor immediately. The doctor sent me to do a mammogram and a breast ultrasound which confirmed the lump. He said that I needed to do further tests as the initial results looked suspicious. I got a biopsy done. By then, I had set people on a prayer trail, so I wasn’t worrying at all. Doing the biopsy was a painful experience. As far as I can remember, that was the only time I cried (not even after receiving the diagnosis).”
When her diagnosis was revealed, it was she who was comforting family and friends who were distressed and extremely sad at the situation. She was age 31.
According to Marie’s journal, “The day came. I was booked for the removal of my left breast. I am blessed; even the nurses in the hospital were supportive and encouraging. I was prepared and wheeled into the theatre for surgery. In my room after recovery, to my surprise, two church sisters were present and ready to spend time in prayer with me. The nurse who attended to me during the night was also a victim of breast cancer and she was a Christian. This nurse said that she did not normally share her experience with patients, but she made an exception for me!” After surgery, Marie did the recommended treatment and was declared cancer-free in 2008. It was a time of thanksgiving and praise.
One day in June 2013, I was on my veranda in Temple Hall, and Marie stopped by to give me an item. She told me that she was a bit concerned as she was experiencing strange sensations on her left side; it felt like “stitches,” she said. It was to be the start of a very trying time for Marie and her family. Upon doing another series of tests, it was early one Christmas morning that she opened an envelope that was meant for her doctor—it was the results of the MRI.
The cancer had returned.
Thus began another cycle of doctor-recommended treatment. This time around, though, was different as Marie had tremendous pain. One of her sisters suggested that she keep a journal, as it would be therapeutic.
Marie agreed.
In a February 3, 2014 entry, she wrote, “God’s mercies are new every morning. I woke about 1:15 a.m. praying and in pain, but I found myself giving thanks anyway.
I decided to read “Grace for the Moment” (a book lent to me by Sister Elaine), and the topic for the day was “When Dark Clouds Gather.” The daily verse was Isaiah 12:2. ‘Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.’ I am strengthened indeed after reading the devotion, my confidence was renewed.”
Marie’s husband, immediate family, and extended church family were a source of strength for her. She continued recording in her journal, and when we spoke about it, she indicated that she wanted her writing to be turned into a book.
One day, while visiting her, I asked, “What should I call your book, Marie?” She smiled and said, “The Journey Continues.”
She penned in one of her writings, “One conclusion I have come to is that I did not do this or went through this period of my life only for myself, but for others around me. I went through this for you all.” Marie believed that a book and a movie on her life would encourage many.
YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL THE ONES WHO ARE CHRISTIANS
Marie finished very strong. There was a mini song/prayer service three days before her passing, and she sang lustily. One of her requests was: “He is always there when things go wrong.”
On the day before her passing, she was being attended to by a male doctor. He kept looking at her docket in shock. He then called over a few other doctors, and they too gazed at it while glancing at each other.
The doctor finally questioned us, “This is a church woman?” When we said yes, he remarked, “You can always tell.”
The mother in my sister never waned. She had one desire, and the Lord graciously granted it: she wanted to see her daughter begin high school, and this she did up to second form.
Marie Demetrius Baker was ultimately promoted on March 8, 2018, and her book was published two years later. Her devotion to God and family, and her commitment to excellence will never be forgotten. She held on to Jesus up to the very end; the last word she uttered was His name.
If you are going through challenges, please use the Word of God for reinforcement. Marie would encourage you to not ever give up. She would remind you that “The Journey Continues.”
