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Memorials: Berkeley Monthly Meeting

Lenel de Emma

Date of birth

March 21, 1960

Date of death

Dec. 22, 2022

Meeting

Berkeley Monthly Meeting

Memorial minute

Ellen Elizabeth Baker, aka Lenel de Emma, and Nel, was born March 21, 1960 in New York City, Her mother was an attender of Berkeley Friends Meeting.

She attended a Quaker high school, John Woolman School, in the Sierra Nevada hills of California and studied at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana.

She worked as owner and director of childcare programs and as a Care Consultant, has supported many families, the elderly and disabled. For 15 years or more she enjoyed participating in the activities of FACES (Family, Art, Culture, Education, Spirituality).

Lenel enjoyed crocheting and knitting, strolling and visiting with friends, spending time appreciating ocean/bay/lakes and rivers, the turning of the leaves, and preparing and savoring delicious food with friends.

Lenel loved life and had a variety of passions: Burning Man, The Green Tortoise, Polyamorous Community, child care, handicrafts, and was a tireless worker for social justice. She never took formal membership in Berkeley Meeting but she was valued and appreciated by them.

She spent time in the birthing room of the Temple of Dendera in Egypt. Other countries she visited were Australia, Bahamas, Canada and Mexico.

Lenel passed away December 22, 2022 in Richmond, California, with her beloved dog Duchess by her side. She died as she lived: quick, fearless, and outdoors. She was 62 years old. She is survived by her sister Carol Baker and her brother Paul Baker.