“Rest in Peace, Mary Grace Baker: Beloved 3rd Grader at St. Anne School Found After Tragic Search”
It is with broken hearts and deepest sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Mary Grace Baker, a beloved 3rd-grade student at St. Anne School. Her body was found after an intense and prayer-filled search. The confirmation came through a heartfelt message shared by Father Andrew Moore of St. Anne Catholic Church, who relayed the words of Mary Grace’s mother, Katie Baker.
“We have received word that sweet Mary Grace Baker, our St. Anne School 3rd grader, has been found. May she rest in peace and may her family know the peace of Christ. We pray for those still missing and those who are grieving.” — Father Andrew Moore
Mary Grace was just a child—innocent, radiant, full of life and curiosity. She had a bright smile that lifted spirits and a heart that shone with kindness. In her short years, she made a lasting impression on all who knew her: classmates, teachers, church members, family, and friends. Her joy was infectious, and her presence in any room brought a sense of light and warmth.
To know Mary Grace was to love her. She loved art, stories, singing in church, and the feeling of sunshine on her face during recess. She approached life with the openhearted wonder of a child deeply loved and cherished. Her faith, nurtured through her family and the St. Anne community, was evident in her gentle spirit and joyful trust in others.
This devastating loss has rocked the entire community. The corridors of her school will feel emptier, the pews of the church quieter, and the hearts of those who loved her forever changed. The pain is immeasurable, but so too is the love that surrounded her every single day of her life.
As we grieve the loss of Mary Grace, we are reminded of the promise and mystery of faith. We cling to the belief that she now rests safely in the arms of God—free from suffering, embraced by the eternal light she so beautifully reflected in her time with us. And we pray fervently for her parents, Katie and her family, whose grief is unimaginable. May they be comforted by the love of Christ and the support of their community, and may they feel the arms of this world gently holding them up in the hardest of times.
We also extend our hearts to the families of those still missing, and to all who are grieving alongside the Bakers. No one should have to endure such heartbreak—but in the face of tragedy, we witness the strength of love, the power of prayer, and the bonds of faith that keep us united.
Rest in peace, sweet Mary Grace.
You were a light on Earth, and now you shine even brighter in Heaven. We will carry your memory in our hearts always, and your spirit will continue to inspire us to live with kindness, faith, and love.
Please continue to keep the Baker family in your thoughts and prayers. And may God grant them the peace that surpasses all understanding in the days ahead.