Update: September 25, 2024

It is with heavy heart that I write to let all of you who have loved Noreen know that she made her transition last night at 3:15 AM. She died at home, surrounded by dear and caring friends and of course many, many angels.

The support and generosity of friends has made the last few weeks so much easier for her caregivers. The house was filled with flowers, laughter, dogs, blankets and pillows, delicious food- and lots of watermelon, which was the last thing Noreen ate and totally enjoyed.

If you would like to send condolences or to donate toward her funeral or memorial expenses please do so by check and snail mail to:

Noreen Baker

PO BOX 2724

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Update: August 30, 2024

As many of you know, our dear Noreen has been living with glioblastoma for the last four years. She recently received the devastating news that she has 6-8 weeks to live. She hopes to spend her final days on Martha’s Vineyard, her home for over 30 years, surrounded by friends and family.

Noreen’s doctors have recommend focusing on quality of life. She will require 24/7 passive care for the foreseeable future, with the potential need for an increased level of care down the road.

We are again raising funds to support Noreen’s living expenses so she can enjoy the time she has without financial stress. Funds will also support her primary caregivers who are taking time from their work and personal lives to ensure Noreen can stay in her home as long as possible.

Funds raised will be used for:

-Bills, household expenses

-Transportation expenses incurred by her care giver team

-Food, laundry, medication and other necessities

-Professional care when we reach that phase

-End of life costs and funeral expenses

Anyone who knows Noreen knows what a vibrant and loving person she is. Our lives have been enhanced by her presence and we want to make sure she feels cherished and cared for by her community. We all want her to be as comfortable as possible during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you all for your generosity toward this end.

If you would like to write to Noreen or send anything via USPS

here is her address:

Noreen Baker

P.O. Box 2724

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Update: May, 8, 2023

Our dear friend Noreen Baker, whom many of you have supported in heartfelt and generous ways (meals, rides, funds and flowers) needs our urgent help once again.

Noreen was airlifted Friday to Mass General after experiencing speech issues caused by some swelling in her brain. She is having surgery ( her third ) Monday, May 8, 2023.

The outcome is hopeful and Noreen, as you know, shows amazing courage and optimism. She does however, need our continued support in all forms: prayer, poetry, and whatever you do to conjure spirits of well being.

And of course, she needs our financial help as well. Another surgery means she will be unable to drive for at least 6 weeks, and that means she will be unable work as expenses mount.

Noreen expresses her tremendous gratitude for all your generosity thus far, and we know times are tough for many, but any amount makes a huge difference to relieve her stress and enters her heart as loving wishes which multiply and prosper.

Thank you so much for your continued support.

July 2020

Our dear and beloved friend Noreen Baker, the maker of hats, the queen of clutter, sailor, swimmer and the one you always find in the very front row at the movies, underwent an unexpected brain surgery at Mass General Hospital on July 21. For the next 6 weeks she will be traveling off island to undergo radiation and chemo-therapy treatments. 

Your focused prayers, meditations and positive thoughts are needed and much appreciated. If you have the time to share a meal, hold her hand and support her please reach out, your presence is valued beyond measure. We will also accept visualization of bright light brain health, chanting, tree hugging, bird calling and swimming naked in the moonlight! 

And of course, because Noreen is unable to work and can no longer drive we are asking for good old fashioned financial help. She needs our assistance with living expenses, travel costs, and all the medical extras no one ever talks about. Every little bit helps ease the mind so the body can heal. 

We thank you for standing with Noreen in our circle of love.