Gerda Hermine Baker

Gerda H. (Neunkirchner) Baker, 87, of Oakridge Avenue, Attleboro, died on Sunday, November 9, 2014, at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. She was the wife of Robert E. Baker to whom she was married on September 19, 1953 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Attleboro. Born in Payerbach, Austria on December 20, 1926, Mrs. Baker immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 9 months. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Hermine (Maly) Neunkirchner. The family settled in the City of Attleboro where Mrs. Baker was raised and educated and remained a lifelong resident. She was the Valedictorian - Class of 1944 at Attleboro High School. She later attended Boston University. Mrs. Baker was employed as a secretary for the United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton for more than 22 years and had also been a secretary and assistant for the Florence H. Sweet Club House on Peck Street in Attleboro. A woman of strong faith and devotion to her religion, Mrs. Baker was a longtime member of All Saints Episcopal Church and more recently of All Saints Anglican Church. For more than 53 years she served as a volunteer Sunday school teacher, was a 50 year member of the Altar Guild and was responsible for the sewing table at the annual church fair. Service to her community was always part of her life's journey. She was a longtime volunteer in the library at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, was a member of the Play Readers, served as a Brownie Troop leader and as a member of the AARP, Inc. local chapter where she served as treasurer. Mrs. Baker was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star - Hope Chapter, Attleboro and the Gold Dusters Club, Attleboro. Her favorite pastimes included spending time with her beloved husband, Robert, traveling throughout the United States and square dancing; time spent with her canine companion, Heidi, a miniature Dachshund; enjoying the theatre particularly shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center; painting; traveling to Hawaii and enjoying cruising to the Bahamas. In addition to her husband of more than 61 years, she leaves a daughter: Candace Joyce Beland and her husband, Ronald R. Beland, Jr., of Attleboro; five grandchildren: Joshua R. Beland and his wife, Maghan Burns-Beland; Tiffany J. Annese and her husband, Dominic Annese; Melanie N. Vincelette and her husband, Ryan Vincelette; Kamileigh P. Beland and R. Wyatt Beland: eight great grandchildren: Archer, Frankie and Eamon Beland, Olivia, Giorgio and Vincenzo Annese and Maggie and Henry Vincelette; a sister: Irma Neunkirchner of Attleboro; a niece: Kimberly Sherman of Vermont; a nephew: Steven Neunkirchner of North Carolina; extended family members, members of her husband's family and many dear friends. She was the mother of the late Walter Stewart Baker who died on June 6, 1982 and was the sister of the late Kurt W. Neunkirchner. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Thursday, November 13, 2014, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right, mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. For those in need of a ride to visitation simply call the funeral home directly at 508-695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the funeral procession from the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home on Friday, November 14, 2014, at 8:30 AM followed by a Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:00 AM at All Saints Anglican Church, 1188 South Main Street, Attleboro. Burial will follow in North Purchase Cemetery, Attleboro. Children's room is available during the visitation and while the funeral cortege is being organized. Following cemetery services an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at a location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mrs. Baker's name may be made to the Florence H. Sweet Club House, 44 Peck Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200