Dianne Louise Baker

Charlotte, North Carolina - Dianne Louise Baker, the daughter of the late James A. O'Leary and Elizabeth Ann Higgins O'Leary died peacefully on Saturday evening, March 27th, at home and surrounded by her loving family after a 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 70 years old. Dianne grew up in Rocky River, Ohio and attended Magnificat HS. She went on to receive her nursing degree and worked in the open heart and ICU units at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland, OH. She raised her children, made lasting friendships, and continued her career in Atlanta, GA. as a nurse and various roles within the medical field, devoting herself to caring for others. Dianne is survived by her husband, Larry Mark Baker. Mark and Dianne met in 2003 while living in Milton, GA. They know it was God who brought them together and created their adoring and devoted 18-year bond and guided them through their life together. Mark and Dianne moved from Milton, GA. reluctantly leaving behind family and invaluable friendships and relocated to Mt. Juliet, TN where they lived for several years. They truly cherished their time there and developed life-long friendships on Dahlgren Dr. before finally arriving in Charlotte, NC to be closer to children and grandchildren. Family and friends, from all phases of her life, were what she valued most. Dianne was known for her intelligent, compassionate, and loving ways. She had an amazing sense of humor and brilliant smile which was always present and on display. Everyone Dianne encountered walked away with a loving part of her within themselves and were forever touched by her kindness and warmth. She was strong but graceful and her resiliency was inspiring. She enjoyed bible study, making new friends, helping others, and especially loving and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Dianne is survived by her wonderful children and stepdaughter, all living in Charlotte, NC. Her son, Tyler James Urig, his wife, Natalie Christman Urig, and their 3 children: Charlie Grey Urig, Anna Ross Urig and Henry Crews Urig; Her daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Urig Dunaway, her husband, Howard Yates Dunaway IV, and their 3 children: Caroline Elizabeth Dunaway, Howard Yates Dunaway V and Mary Louise Dunaway; Her stepdaughter, Karly Rae Baker. Dianne is preceded in life by her sister, Jean Marie O'Leary and survived by her brothers, Jim O'Leary (Cleveland, OH.) and his children and Kenneth Alan O'Leary and his wife Cynthia Hanson O'Leary (Atlanta, GA.) and their children. The family wishes to thank Dr. Dipika Misra and the Hematology and Oncology team affiliated with Novant Health and Cancer Institute, as well as the wonderful, loving, and caring individuals working within the Chemotherapy and Radiation units at the Presbyterian Cancer Center of Charlotte. Dianne donated throughout her adult life to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and to the Paralyzed Veterans Association. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to these two amazing charities or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in support of finding a cure. Under the current COVID environment, there will be a Celebration of Life ceremony later this year, to be held at JB Tallent Funeral Home, 1937 N. Sharon Amity Rd. Charlotte, NC. 28205. We plan to have everyone gather, laugh together, and reminisce over all the wonderful times and memories that celebrate Dianne and her incredible life. She will be deeply missed.