Waneta “Nita” L. Baum, 87, of Cumberland peacefully passed into the arms of her Heavenly Father on April 11, 2021, at home surrounded by her son, friends and four cats.

Born in Massachusetts, October 10, 1933, Nita’s life started with many trials, loneliness, and hardships, but she prevailed and grew to be a strong-willed, energetic, adventure-seeking, child of God, mother, sister and friend to many.

In high school, Nita was the queen of the prom and an outstanding athlete. She went to girl’s state basketball and received a scholarship for basketball. She won ‘most valuable player’ of the New England AAU playoffs. She played for Foster Grant and earned money to play the game she loved.

As a young woman, she met and campaigned for John F. Kennedy, which led to working for Mayor Lynn of Massachusetts. She didn’t like working in an enclosed office environment, so she applied for Northwest Airlines where she was hired as a stewardess and flew for 37 years until she retired. She traveled the world and had many adventures along the way; including flying military over and back to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

Life was never boring! She loved traveling and took vacation in many other countries. She loved outdoor adventures wherever she went; kayaking, biking, skiing, camping. She enjoyed many of these adventures after retirement, in addition to getting her motorcycle license and private pilot’s license!

In the early 1970’s, in an outstanding action for a single woman, Nita had it in her heart to adopt an 18-month-old baby boy named Brandyn. She raised him as a single parent and was so proud of the determined and responsible adult he became. After retirement, her lake home became her permanent residence.

Nita noted that one of her life’s highlights was her role in the start of Kinship in Cumberland. She helped to develop the board and collect donations. She was on the board and head of activities for many years. She gives special credit to Rob Ankarlo, (then Director of Kinship), for his support, along with the many great volunteers and board members over the years, who have made Kinship what it is today.

Nita enjoyed the quiet life in Wisconsin and said she would have continued with her adventures, but never thought that adopting two cats from the Human Society would have put a stop to that! Two other cats found their way to her doorstep and into her heart. During this quiet time of her life, Nita turned to the Lord. She was baptized upon joining Northern Lakes Church in 2002 and became involved in church activities and bible studies.

Nita is survived by her son, Brandyn of St. Paul, MN, and her older sister, Betty Vowles of Trenton, FL. Nita was also part of a much larger family at Northern Lakes Church who will surely miss her spunk, humor, love and presence, but they celebrate knowing she is now with her Heavenly Father!

Celebration of Life will be held at Northern Lakes Church on Saturday, April 24, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 10 AM.

Last Update: Apr 12, 2021 4:53 pm CDT