2025 Catholic Woman of the Year Karen (Shrader) Baker
Holy Cross is proud to announce that Karen (Shrader) Baker has been chosen to represent our parish as Catholic Woman of the Year 2025! She will be honored at a luncheon on May 8th at Christ the King church. Karen and her first husband Paul Shrader joined Holy Cross parish in 1967 and were blessed with 7 children: (Lori, Lisa, Michael, Mary, John, Jason & Matthew), all of whom attended Holy Cross School. After Paul passed away in 2010 and Ron Baker’s wife in 2012, they married in 2014 through the Holy Spirit. Their combined families totaled 10 children, 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Karen began playing the organ and singing at Holy Ghost, St. Gerald’s and, later, at Holy Cross from 1957-2024. She volunteered for school & church functions, playing at school and weekend Masses, funerals & weddings. She has been involved in SVDP, Gala, planning liturgies, All Souls Day services and the Agape pot luck in 1977. She also was parish & school secretary, began RENEW with Fr. Tom Griesen in 1989, server training and children’s choir. She was and continues to be part of the Altar Society. Karen enjoys music, family, gardening, bridge, puzzles, golf and traveling. She also accompanies Ron when he takes communion to shut-ins in the parish. (Karen’s mother Irene Seykora also received this award in the 80’s). She shares this honor with many others and the unnamed for their tireless hours of service for their Parish in God’s name. Congratulations Karen and thank you for your years of service here at Holy Cross! God Bless You!
Follow Up: The Outstanding Catholic Women Awards luncheon took place at Christ the King on May 8, 2025, with Rev. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes and Holy Cross, presenting Karen Baker of Holy Cross and Elaine Heath of Our Lady of Lourdes for the award. We would like to congratulate these ladies on receiving this award!
