Mary Grace Baker Memorial Fund Established to Honor 8-Year-Old Beaumont Girl Lost in Texas Floods
Beaumont, Texas — Southeast Texas is uniting in grief and remembrance after the death of 8-year-old Mary Grace Baker, a beloved St. Anne Catholic School student who tragically lost her life in the devastating Texas Hill Country floods earlier this month. In her memory, the Baker family has launched the Mary Grace Baker Memorial Fund, designed to preserve her joyful spirit and support causes that reflect her passions.
Mary Grace’s mother, Katie Baker, announced the fund’s creation on Saturday, describing it as both a tribute and a means of carrying her daughter’s legacy forward.
“The love and support from Southeast Texas and around the world has carried us through our darkest days,” Katie wrote. “Even in the depths of our grief, we’ve found light in the incredible community that has formed around us. With this fund, our hope is to honor our darling daughter’s legacy forever.”
The memorial fund, organized through the Foundation for Southeast Texas, will direct donations toward initiatives that celebrate Mary Grace’s love for faith, the arts, education, and community service.
A Life of Joy, Faith, and Generosity
Born on April 10, 2017, Mary Grace Baker was known for her infectious laughter, golden curls, and boundless zest for life. “She lived life big,” her family shared, reflecting on her creativity, compassion, and unshakable joy.
At St. Anne Catholic School, Mary Grace stood out for her kindness and strong faith. She recently received the prestigious St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, which recognizes students who exemplify Catholic values, academic excellence, and a commitment to helping others.
Outside of school, Mary Grace embraced every opportunity for adventure. She enjoyed dance, baseball, piano, skiing, hula dancing, and traveling. In 2023, she appeared as an angel in the Beaumont Civic Ballet’s Nutcracker, dreaming of one day performing as Clara. She loved crafting handmade gifts—tiny beaded trinkets, Lego creations, and sequined treasures—which she shared with friends and family as tokens of kindness.
Community Mourning After Tragic Flood
Mary Grace was attending Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, when sudden flash floods swept through Kerr County, claiming more than 100 lives, including children. The disaster has shaken communities across Texas, with ongoing recovery efforts and searches for missing individuals, including family friend Cile Steward.
“Mary Grace embodied joy,” said Lauren Hughes, a St. Anne parent and family friend. “Her hugs could knock you over, and her smile lit up every room. Our community is heartbroken, but we’re determined to keep her spirit alive.”
How to Contribute
The Mary Grace Baker Memorial Fund offers a way to carry forward her legacy of joy, kindness, and generosity. Every donation, her family says, “spreads the love and joy that she so generously shared.”
To donate, visit: Mary Grace Baker Memorial Fund.