Jul 26, 2013

Washington teacher enjoyed reading, gardening

Mary E. “Tommy” Baker, 67, of East Washington, died Thursday, July 25, 2013, in Southmont of Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington.

She was born April 11, 1946, in Johnstown, a daughter of Mary E. Gosbee Sargent of Washington and the late C. Clifford Sargent.

Mrs. Baker was a graduate of Tolman High School in Pawtucket, R.I., and was a 1969 graduate of Rhode Island College, with a degree in special education and a minor in elementary education. She also attended Washington & Jefferson College to complete her English degree.

While her husband, Ken, was in the military, she was director of the post nursery at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, N.Y.

She taught for Washington School District and the Intermediate Unit. She loved teaching and her students.

Mrs. Baker enjoyed reading, gardening and arts and crafts, particularly of late, rug hooking. She also enjoyed visiting her native New England.

On June 27, 1970, in Washington, she married Kenneth L. Baker, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Dan (Tiffany Poole) Baker of Washington, and a sister, Karen Johnson of Vanport.

Friends will be received from noon to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, in First Presbyterian Church, 100 East Wheeling Street, Washington, with the Rev. Kenneth Schott officiating.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Washington County Community Foundation at www.wccf.net or Chapman Annex, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301. Please bring any pictures to the funeral home, to be uploaded in our www.familyremembers.com system for the family to view in real time. Condolences may also be expressed and photos uploaded at www.familyremembers.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, director