In Memoriam

 Drew Baker

Drew Baker passed away on October 12, 2026.  

Baker was born to Naomi Dupree and Andrew Pinkney in Brooklyn, New York. 

After earning her law degree from the University at Buffalo, she made metro Detroit her home and devoted her career to the legal community. She began at Ford Motor Company and later served at Plastech, Kelly Services, and DENSO before concluding her career as general counsel of the State Bar of Michigan. 

A passionate traveler, she joined Michigan Public and fellow public-radio listeners on many international trips. Wonderfully independent and curious, she was also an inveterate solo traveler who found both adventure and relaxation around the world.

Baker also understood that the personal is political, and closely followed local, state and national politics. Recently, she found great joy in casting her vote for Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in his successful primary campaign.

Baker is survived by a large circle of loving friends, including Krysten (and William) Hamel; Cyndi (and Scott) Wilson; Patty Thornton; RoseMarie (and Donald) Lapak; and Raphael (and Stacy) Richmond. 
She is also survived by her ex-husband Darwin Baker, and his beloved children.

Funeral visitation is planned for Friday, November 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. at A. J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road in Troy. A memorial service will take plaace at 3 p.m.

Those wishing to honor Baker’s memory may contribute to Michigan Public or to Dr. El-Sayed's U.S. Senate campaign, causes that reflect her curiosity, civic engagement, and hope for a more peaceful world.