Tammy Nichole “Nicki” Baker, 30, of Bloomington passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Born, May 24, 1979 in Logansport, IN; she was the daughter of Daniel B. Baker and Bonnie (Ewbank) Baker. She was preceded in death by her biological father William (Bill) R. Gundrum formerly of Royal Center, IN. Nicki was a 1997 graduate of Bloomington High School South where she was a two year member of the Sounds of South. A 2002 graduate of Ball State University, she earned a Bachelors Degree in Theatre and Spanish. She was employed at the Monroe County Youth Shelter the same year. Nicki later moved to Philadelphia where she pursued a degree in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) from West Chester University. She received her Masters in 2009. She also received her certification to teach Spanish and became fluent in the language. During her time in Philadelphia she was a teacher of ESL (English as a second language) at Esperanza Academy Charter High School in Philadelphia, PA. She loved being a teacher, and was passionate about her “kids”. In 2009, with the anticipation of the birth of her baby girl, she moved back to Bloomington to be close to family. She also rejoined employment at the Monroe County Youth Shelter. Later this summer she applied to Bloomington High School North and was hired as their ENL (English as a New Language) resource teacher. She was able to teach for 2 weeks before she became ill with HELLP syndrome, a rare condition of pregnancy. The HELLP syndrome progressed into ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) from which she was unable to recover. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter and niece. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Survivors include her infant daughter, Madelyn Isabel Baker, mother, Bonnie Baker, father, Daniel B. Baker, two sisters, Katie Howell, Mary Baker, one brother, Marshall Baker all of Bloomington, maternal grandparents; Robert and Tama Ewbank of Spencer, paternal grandparents; Dan and Avis Baker of Mascoutah, IL, Aunt; Kathy Haines and her husband John of Chesapeake, VA, uncle; Jeff Ewbank and his wife Tresa of Ellettsville, uncle; Mark Ewbank and his wife Tanya of Virginia Beach, VA, Aunt; Brenda Hobbs and Husband Terry of O’Fallon, IL, Aunt; Christina Becker and husband Jack of Royal Center, IN, great aunt; Betty Farrow and her husband Richard of Roachdale, great aunt; Mary Cloncs and her husband Dave of Ladoga, and several other aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with Pastor Alvin Zamudio officiating. A private family graveside service will be held later in the day at Clear Creek Cemetery. The Funeral Chapel of Powell, Deckard and Costin are handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Madelyn Isabel Baker Fund with checks payable to Bonnie Baker. Checks may be sent to Monroe Bank 2801 Buick-Cadillac Blvd. Bloomington, IN 47401, account #_2956385, or in care of The Funeral Chapel of Powell, Deckard and Costin 3000 E. Third St. Bloomington, IN 47401. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.pdcfuneralchapel.com