Kristin Leigh Colber-Baker passed away at her home in River Forest, Illinois, on March 3, 2026. She was born February 27, 1964, in Rochester, New York, the daughter of Myron and Laura Jane Colber. She grew up in Michigan and Arkansas and graduated from Wheaton College and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Kristin held numerous executive leadership roles throughout her career and served on the board of Fresh Del Monte Produce as well as several nonprofit boards, including Compassion International. She is survived by her beloved husband, James Joseph Baker Jr.; her sons, Quinten and Aaron; and her brother, Douglas Warren Colber.
Kristin is remembered for her sparkling smile, warmth, wit, wisdom, generosity, courage, and grace. A faithful friend to many, she loved music, travel, humor, and playful pranks. She was an initiator, servant leader, mentor, encourager, and devoted Christ-follower who remained deeply connected to friends around the country and the world through school, work, and service trips to Honduras.
In honor of Kristin, Compassion International will launch a Survival Program in Sotouboua Perrin in the Centrale Region of Togo, providing life-saving care and support for mothers and babies. The semi-rural community faces limited healthcare infrastructure and significant barriers to maternal and child health. This program will help improve health and nutrition for pregnant women and children from birth to age three.
Supporting this initiative answers the prayers of the local church and empowers a community already committed to serving its most vulnerable families.
