Bernadine "Bernie" Baker

Bernadine “Bernie” Baker, 83, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Pickering House. Bernie was born in Lancaster on June 13, 1930, the oldest of Florence and Bernard Griffith’s 3 children.

Bernie’s involvement and volunteering in the Lancaster community started at the age of 15, with the Parks Department Summer Craft Recreation Program for playgrounds with the YMCA/YWCA. Eventually she became the Parks Department Craft Supervisor, leader of preschool programs and craft director. Her volunteerism included: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; summer Bible school, Sunday school, senior choir, weekday school, 2 terms as President of Lutheran Church Women, member of the Lydia Circle, and worked to establish the church’s 1st nursery. She worked many years with Mary Burnham at the YMCA/YWCA with preschool children, youth, and teens. She also volunteered with the Red Cross Blood Bank, Lancaster - Fairfield Community Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and the D.A.R.

Since 1976 Bernie has served in many capacities with the Fairfield Heritage Association, including; Docent Chairwoman, Volunteer Coordinator, Tour of Homes Chairwoman 1985 & 1992, served 4 terms on F.H.A. Board of Directors, Director of the Georgian, Researcher & Historian Assistant Curator, and Georgian Steering Committee member. She also wrote “Bernie’s Books”, which are a compilation of the story of the renovation of the Georgian and the providence of each item in each of the 13 rooms. This information is used to train new Docents. In 2006 she was honored for her many contributions to F.H.A. with the presentation of a scale model of the west portico of the Georgian made from walnut salvaged during the Georgian renovation. The same year she was also named Director Emeritus and Museum Historian.

Bernie’s primary love and service was to her family, often referring to Bob and herself as G.O.C. - “Grandparents on Call”. She also was able to combine her love of family and history with a recently started genealogy project.

Bernie is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert B. Baker; children, Bruce B. (Carol Kearney) Baker, Mark S. (Robon Williams) Baker, Carolyn A. (Edward) Readman, and Scott R. (Renee A. Wagner) Baker; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Tipton.

Bernie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Georgia M. Griffith; and brother, John D. Griffith.

Memorial service for Bernie will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 105 E. Mulberry St, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 with Reverend Dr. Emil H. Klatt III officiating. Family and friends may visit from 3 to 7 pm Monday at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N. Columbus St, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Caring Cremation has taken place.

Thank you to all helped care for Bernie; Riverside Methodist Hospital, Homestead, Fairfield Medical Center, and FairHoPe Hospice, especially Dr. Balturshot, Dr. Pope, Dr. Tencza, Dr. Walz, Dr. Falkenheim, Dr. Buckley, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Sawyer, and all the I.C.U. Staff, especially Frick & Frack.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 105 E. Mulberry St, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 or Fairfield Heritage Association, Georgian Museum, 105 E. Wheeling St, Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

Memorial Service

10:30 AM ,Tuesday, May 20, 2014
St. Peters Lutheran Church
105 E. Mulberry St. Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Notes: Visitation 1 hour prior to the service.

Visitation

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM ,Monday, May 19, 2014
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home
405 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130