Obituary of Teresa Baker

Teresa Fogarty Baker, known as Terry, formerly of Manchester and born in Jewett City, died July 16, 2018, at her residence in Saybrook at Haddam in Haddam, CT. She was 97.

Terry lived a life full of love, service and family. She was married in 1944 to (John) Jack Baker, who died in 2000. Together they raised a large and boisterous family: children John Jr. and Jeri K., who both predeceased their parents in 1948 and 1988, respectively, and Rich (Richard), James, Lynn (Mary Lynn) and Lisa.
 

Terry worked for many years for Joseph Guardino, M.D., in Manchester, until retiring in 1982. She and Jack traveled for several years, visiting family and friends around New England. They sold their home of 40+ years on Lewis Street, moving to a smaller residence on Oak Grove Street. In 2007 Terry relocated one last time to Saybrook-at-Haddam, in Haddam.
 

Terry was a life-long Democrat and always cast her vote for the best Democratic candidate. She was an avid reader and loved detective stories as well as crossword puzzles. She was renowned for her knitting, making sweaters, baby clothes and afghans for years before arthritis claimed her fingers. She always enjoyed the company of others and spending time with old and new friends. Family and friends raved about her baking and fortunately for all of us, she trained her son-in-law Dave Stewart and grandsons Devin Baker and Russell Baker in her apple pie-baking skills and recipes.
 

Terry was born November 27, 1920 in Jewett City, Connecticut. Her adult life was spent in Manchester, Connecticut, where she was a communicant of St. James Church. She was a graduate of Plainfield High School and Morse School of Business. She worked for many years at Hartford Despatch and Joseph Guardino, M.D. Terry stayed in Manchester until 2007, when she moved to Saybrook-at-Haddam. The family is deeply grateful to her caregivers there, whom she loved dearly and enjoyed slipping chocolate and candy to at any opportunity.
 

She is survived by her son Richard, daughter-in-law Romaine Scharlemann and grandsons Devin and Russell Baker, all of Minneapolis, MN; son James and daughter-in-law Christine Palm of Chester, CT, and grandsons Colin Baker, James Golden, Daniel Golden and Seamus Palm Baker; daughter Lynn Baker and son-in-law Peter Zamuka of St. Helena Island, SC; daughter Lisa Baker and son-in-law David Stewart of Seattle, WA; son-in-law Robert Escavich and daughter-in-law Kathy Enders of Roseboom, NY and Sarasota, FL; and her beloved friends, Ann DeMarchi, Fran Gagnon and Ann Foster. 

A mass of Christian burial will be held on July 26, 2018 at 10AM at St. James Church, Manchester, with burial following at St. James Cemetery. The family asks that any gifts be directed to Planned Parenthood, (Online here) please indicate your gift is in Terry’s memory. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com