Janet Sabol Baker, age 77, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 1:05 a.m. at Sentara Virginia Beach Hospital, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born on April 1, 1948, in Lafayette, Indiana, Janet was the second born of nine children and the oldest daughter to John and Mary Ann (Stock) Sabol. She grew up with a strong sense of faith and service, values that would guide her throughout her life. She attended Wea Grade School and Central Catholic High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University in 1968.

Janet dedicated much of her life to caring for others, both professionally as a nurse and personally through her many acts of creativity and service. Her passion for the arts blossomed later in life when she began crafting small wooden items for local shows. Inspired by the painting techniques of Bob Ross, she became a certified instructor and taught classes in Hilliard, Ohio, and Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was through these classes that she met her future husband, Robert Baker. They were married on February 1, 2003, and shared 22 years of love and adventure.

Janet’s creativity extended beyond painting. She was an avid crocheter, crafting baby blankets that were donated through her church to families in need. She also founded the “Faith and Art” painting program at Bayside Presbyterian, where she was an active and devoted member. Her generosity, artistic spirit, and commitment to service left a lasting impression on those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Baker; her sons Stephen Metz (Shelly), Brian Metz (Melinda), and Douglas Metz (Marie); her granddaughters Karalei, Zoe, and Grace Metz; her first husband, Gary Metz; and her two brothers and five sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Ann Caswell (Sabol) of Heuvelton, New York.

Janet will be remembered for her enduring strength, joyful creativity, and the meaningful connections she made throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the beauty she brought into the world.

Service arrangements are currently pending and will be announced at a later date.