Cree Laura Baxter
September 08, 1938 - March 28, 2017
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Cree Laura Baxter
September 08, 1938 - March 28, 2017
Obituary
Cree Laura Baxter of LaConner, WA passed away peacefully with her family surrounding her on March 28, 2017 at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, WA. Cree Lombard was born September 8, 1938 in Los Angeles, California, the first born to Creede and Vivian Lombard. She was preceded in death by her husband and skipper, Joseph D. Baxter.
Cree’s family made their home in various communities throughout her childhood, including Yakima, WA and Bainbridge Island, WA. She graduated from Bainbridge Island High School in 1956.
Cree was forever asked how she got her name. Answer: she was named after her father. Her parents were expecting a boy as their firstborn. When a daughter arrived they shortened her father’s name, Creede, to Cree.
She is survived by her brothers, Jim Lombard of Lopez Island, WA; Pat Lombard of Poulsbo, WA; ex-husband Allen Jensen of Port Angeles, WA; sons Gregory Jensen of Bellingham, WA and Kris Jensen of Ward Cove, AK; daughter Heidi Smart of Mosier, OR; stepson Steven Baxter of Port Angeles, WA; stepdaughters Karen Iozzia of Windsor, CA and Amber Barni of Maple Valley, WA; seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
Early in their marriage, Cree and Joe developed a passion for boating. Buying a sailboat and joining the Port Angeles Yacht Club, they began a lifelong adventure, cruising, racing and exploring. In retirement, Cree and Joe sold their home in Port Angeles and moved aboard their 44-foot ketch, Moosenose, spending their summers cruising the inland waters of Puget Sound, the San Juans, and the Canadian Inside passage; and their winters moored in LaConner Marina in LaConner, WA.
Cree was a passionate Seahawks and Mariners fan, proudly sporting her Kam Chancellor and Ken Griffey jerseys, respectively.
Cree’s wishes were to be cremated and her ashes distributed in the waters of the San Juan Islands, with a memorial gathering for family and friends at a future date. Memorials may be made in Cree’s honor to Whatcom County Hospice and to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.
Update: Together we will be celebrating Cree’s life at the Farmhouse Resturaunt at 13724 Laconner Whitney Rd, Mt Vernon, WA 98273, from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: July 29, 2017 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Farmhouse Restaurant
- Location: 13724 Laconner Whitney Rd Mt Vernon, WA 98273 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) 46-6-4411
7 responses to Cree Laura Baxter
Linda Barsalou says:
March 28, 2017
I have so many good memories of growing up in PA and hanging out with Heidi and Cree, she was a good mom to us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this sad time.
Anne Dalton says:
March 28, 2017
HeidiI did not know that you had moved from Port Angeles. I thought your mom was a lovely person and one for whom happiness was elusive. I hope that in her last years and in spite of her illness, she knew that she was loved and cherished. I shall miss her physical presence on this earth but know she will be with all of you and all of us in spirit.
Anne Dalton
Greg Jensen says:
March 28, 2017
Message cards from loved ones written during the memorial gathering:
“My most recent best memory of Grandma is the day I brought Natalie and Shelby up to visit when they were 3 and 2. We took them to a park and watching Grandma play and watch them play with the amazing large smile on her face. I will never forget how much she enjoyed being a grandma and a Great Grandma.” Krysta
“When I was an infant, I have a memory of my Grandma Cree sitting with me on the bow of their sailboat reading a book to me as the sun went down in the San Juan Islands. She was an adventurous, loving, artistic and caring woman. She always had a soft spot for me and I could tell she was very happy to see me when I came out to see her in March, three weeks before she passed away. Cree meant a lot to me and I’ll miss her forever. I love you Grandma!” Joel
“Cree, Joel and I had a lovely, long, wine-filled dinner at Anthony’s in LaConner. We talked books, PNW, family, and life in general. My parents met Cree last Summer and loved spending time with her and getting to know her as well. I will always be glad to have gotten to know Cree, even for a short period of time.” Kate
“I remember family dinners, holidays.
The sailboat trip to the San Juan’s catching crab and you showing me your favorite places.
It was fun to share the trip with you and Joe.
You were a great mom, grandma and greatgrandma
You are missed.” Lori Baxter
“I will always remember holding Grandma’s hand in the hospice house. In some ways she was very weak already, but her grip was strong and steady–like her unshakeable personality. She was always persistent in loving us and investing in us, while battling a terrible disease. She was always herself, and found ways to keep doing the things she enjoyed and spending time with family and friends. I was blessed with a loving, beautiful, strong Grandma, and an example to live up to. ‘God has made everything beautiful in it’s time,’ and he certainly made Grandma beautiful.” Hannah
“I always knew when the Seahawk game was on by the Seahawk flag flying!”
“I never got a chance to get to know Cree during her life, but I have been listening to the stories. She seems strong, resilient, loving, loyal to her family and teams (Go Hawks!), and kind. I like her music choices & her family seems so lovely. Sail on, Cree! You are loved! Alexandria
Bernice Cook says:
March 28, 2017
As Greg’s mother -in-law, (Cynthia’s mom) I was often with Cree at family gatherings.She was a fun person to know. She prided herself in keeping up with current happenings in the world–and especially the world of sports . (We didn’t get into politics). She was such a caring grandparent—following each child’s progress through school and beyond.
She faced her cancer with such determination. She would be the winner !! I was amazed at her ability to move ahead with life . There was never a ‘poor me’ attitude.
She gave strength and courage to those dear to her . I feel honored to have known and shared many wonderful memories with Cree .
I share your loss,
Bernice Cook
Vivian Hansen says:
March 28, 2017
Heidi,
I see where you get your strength and beauty from.
My thoughts and prayers to you and all your family.
Love and lots of Hugs,
Vivian