Virginia Maxine Baker Gaylen

Virginia Maxine Baker Gaylen, 92, passed peacefully in her sleep July 9, 2014, at her home in Wasilla. Born in Brush, Colorado, on Nov. 30, 1921, Virginia (Maxine) had a lengthy career as a waitress in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Denver and Anchorage; and was the owner/operator of three childcare centers in Anchorage. Indicative of her adventuresome spirit, she drove the Alaska Highway to Anchorage in 1953 with her cat as her only companion.

Virginia always saw possibilities, and never allowed challenges to interfere with her dreams or visions. Small in stature, she had the nature of Goliath.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Ferris Rose Porter and William Baker; brother, Douglas Richard Baker; sister, Joyce Chavez.

Surviving are her sister, Carol (Marvin) Manes; brother. Jeane Baker; daughters, Molly Jackson, Delores (Craig) Leffel, Debra (Nasser) Othman; son, Monty (Lorraine) Hagerty; son-in law, Frank Jackson; grandchildren, Franchesca Heywood, Stephen Fendley, Brandon Jackson, Charon Fendley, Jeffe Hagerty, Nathan Hagerty, Jacob Hagerty and Alexander Hagerty; great grandchildren, Anna Mari Baylor, Taylor Davis, Keegan Heywood, Cole Jackson, Lauren Jackson, Natalie Hagerty, Nathen Jr. Hagerty and Elizabeth Hagerty; great great granddaughters, Adelyn and Braelynn Baylor; long-time caregiver, Carl McDermott; and, Ike and Mike, her beloved cats.