Allie Baker Suelflow

Allie Baker Suelflow, passed away on July 3, 2024, in Ellicott City, Maryland, due to complications from congestive heart failure. Born on January 20, 1937, to Robert N. Baker, Jr. and Allie Oliver Baker in Suffolk, Virginia, Allie's vibrancy and warmth touched many throughout her 87 years of life.

Allie graduated from Suffolk High School and went on to study business at the Pan American Business School in Richmond, Virginia. Her career was as diverse as it was successful, including positions at Norfolk Naval Base and Planters Peanuts. She showcased her leadership and business acumen as a manager at Pahlow's Luggage & Gifts, and later as the proud owner of Suelflow's Travel Goods, both in Appleton, Wisconsin. Allie also brought her dedication and hard work to 25+ years at Younker's Department Store and Cub Foods Deli until her retirement in 2014.  After retiring, Allie and Richard moved to Ellicott City, Maryland in 2016 to live near her daughter and son-in-law. 

She had a passion for the performing arts, both participating in theater productions in her early years and being an enthusiastic patron of the theater. Cooking, reading, and diving into history books were among her favorite pastimes, but above all, Allie cherished the time spent with her beloved family.

Allie's life was a testament to love, generosity, and courage—qualities that were evident to all who knew her. She was a beacon of support and kindness in her community, always willing to lend a hand or an ear to those in need. Her courageous spirit shone brightly, even in the face of adversity, and her generous nature was felt by many, from family and friends to colleagues and acquaintances.

Survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Richard Suelflow, Allie was a cherished figure in the lives of many.  A loving mother, she leaves behind her sons, Rondal Brueggeman and Kenneth Brueggeman (Rebecca), and her daughter, Kennette Mitchell (Guv). Allie's siblings, Roberta Powell, Lynne Baines, Robert Baker (Marie), and sister-in-law, Kathi Suelflow, will hold the memory of their sister close to their hearts, as will her special granddaughter, Amanda Forrest, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her late husband, James K. Brueggeman, MM1, USS Scorpion SSN 589, and brothers-in-law Bill Powell, Rufus Baines, Dennis Suelflow, and David Brueggeman.

Allie's legacy of love and resilience will live on through her family and the countless lives she influenced. Her story is not one of sorrow, but of a life well-lived, brimming with joy, adventure, and the kind of love that spans generations. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a guiding light and a source of endless love and inspiration.

As we bid farewell to Allie Baker Suelflow, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the incredible impact she had on those she touched.  Her spirit will continue to guide us, and her memory will be a treasure that we carry with us always.

Family will receive friends at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 3695 Rogers Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21042, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, beginning at 10am; where a service will begin at 12 noon. For a livestream of this service, click here. The celebration of life will continue at the R.W. Baker Funeral Home & Crematory, 509 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA 23434 on Saturday, July 13, 2024, with a service beginning at 11am. A graveside burial will be held at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Allie’s memory to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Ellicott City, 3695 Rogers Avenue, Ellicott City, Maryland, 21043.

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