Hadley Danielle Baker - the strongest warrior that we all know and love, became an angel on January 22, 2025 at the age of 12. Hadley passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and in the arms of her sisters Lily and Macy after a courageous and determined battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma.
She was recently honored with the De Pere Varsity letter, a testament to her hard work and commitment. Hadley not only excelled as a player on the basketball court but also took joy in assisting as a coach for the De Pere Redbird Girls Varsity team and younger sister Rori’s 4th grade basketball team. She loved basketball and football, unwaveringly cheering for her favorite teams, including the Detroit Lions and of course all Redbird Sports.
Hadley’s life was filled with treasured moments, including late night laughter and attending homecoming alongside her beloved sister, Macy. She enjoyed spending time with Lily and Eddy showing off her coloring skills and non-stop shopping trips. Hadley and youngest sister Rori had a bond no other could break - from secret handshakes to teasing sisterly love. All sisters will forever have a bond that will never be broken and they carry Hadley with them in their hearts each and every day.
Hadley recently fulfilled a longtime dream of swimming with dolphins in Florida and had a wonderful Make-A-Wish trip to Turks and Caicos with her family. Always with a smile, Hadley embraced life with vivacity, whether she was traveling on summer vacations to Florida, cuddling with Kobe, her cherished frenchie or enjoying the company of her family and friends. She was a proud sneakerhead and collector of hats in which she loved to proudly show off.
Hadley is survived by her parents, Kevin and Lauren Baker; her sisters, Lily (Eddy), Macy, and Rori, as well as her grandparents, Robert and Betsy Higgins, and Jill Baker. Hadley is also remembered fondly by her uncles and aunts, Logan (Nikki) Higgins and their daughter Perrie, Lindsey (Daren) Willems and their children Daphne and Landry, Hilary Baker and her son Daniel; as well as many treasured friends who supported her on her journey.
She was preceded in death by her grandpa, Dan Baker, cousins Erin Baker and Eva Baker.
The support from not only the De Pere community but surrounding areas has been immeasurable. From neighboring schools and basketball teams - including the UWGB Girls and Notre Dame basketball teams - you all continued to put a smile on her face and we thank you for that.
To our De Pere Redbird family - You have left our family speechless on so many occasions. This community has truly shown what it is like to Fly as One during each and every step of Hadley’s courageous journey. Our gratitude to you is never-ending and we are forever grateful. To the 7th grade girls basketball team - you are forever Hadley’s team and she will be playing alongside you throughout all of your upcoming years. #GoBirds
To Egan and the Bierowski family - Your bond with Hadley turned into an unbreakable friendship and now forever family. From endless basketball events, to ice cream dates to visits at the house - your support and love shown for Hadley will forever be remembered. Number 22 will always have a special place in our hearts.
To Dr. Steineck, Dr. Ryan and the entire medical team at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee -the amount of care, compassion, knowledge and concern you have shown Hadley and our family is truly selfless. You have always gone above and beyond for our Hads and we are eternally grateful for you. You are not just Hadley’s doctors, you are our family.
To the endless medical staff and generous community members that helped get Hadley home and comfortable during her last days - we are forever grateful. We would not have been able to do it without the love and support of so many. We wish we could thank everyone personally - but please know we love and appreciate each and every one of you.
The impact Hadley had on not only those that knew her but also supporters across the entire country has been awe-inspiring. Her fighting spirit will live on through each and every heart she has touched near and far and we hope to take her ‘never give up’ attitude everywhere we go. And in Dan Baker’s words: “All it takes, is all you’ve got!”
A celebration of Hadley's life will be held on Thursday, January 30, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview, with visitation from 12:00pm until 3:00pm. We will celebrate Hadley’s life with a service at 3:30pm followed by a reception at the Swan Club in De Pere, beginning at 5pm. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and remember Hadley by wearing their Hope for Hadley, De Pere sports (or any other sports) gear, as well as your favorite bright colored sneakers.
In lieu of flowers, financial donations may be made to Lauren and Kevin Baker for donations that will be made to Hadley's favorite organizations.
Thursday, January 30, 2025
12:00 - 3:00 pm
St. Mary Catholic Church - Ledgeview
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Starts at 3:30 pm
St. Mary Catholic Church - Ledgeview
Livestream
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Starts at 5:00 pm
Swan Club
Visits: 19458
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