Rose A. Baker

Rose A. Baker Born in London, served as Lady Mayoress LOWELL Rose Adelaide (Girling) Baker, 98, the loving Mother of Rosemary C. Durkin, passed away Saturday morning, November 22, 2008, at a local nursing home. Rose was born in London, England on January 25, 1910, one of the ten children of the late William and Henrietta (Walker) Girling. Rose received her formal schooling in London. When she was a girl of 12 years old, she was presented to Queen Mary. At age 25, following her parents, she became a Lady Mayoress of Shoreditch, London. Her family was very politically minded and involved in local politics in London. She married Ernest James Baker following a 12 year courtship and enjoyed a beautiful marriage. Her beloved Ernest passed away in 1979. Following her husband's death, Mrs. Baker moved to the United States to live with her daughter, Rosemary and son-in-law, William. Mrs. Baker was a very talented seamstress and worked until she was 70 years old. She enjoyed sewing Halloween costumes for the children in her family, and also made the tuxedoes for the ring bearers to wear at her granddaughter's wedding. Mrs. Baker traveled to England every year for a month to see family and friends. She enjoyed reading, loved to sing, dance, and play the piano. Growing up in large family, Mrs. Baker remained close to her brothers and sisters and helped raise her grandchildren and sang all the songs she knew to her great grandchildren. She was an easy going English Lady who enjoyed her life to the fullest. She loved her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. Surviving Mrs. Baker are her daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary C. and William Durkin of Tewksbury; two granddaughters, Kelly Ann Becker and her husband, Ethan of Marlboro, and Tracy Lynn Durkin of Somerville; three great-grandchildren, Gracie Mae Becker, Colby William Becker, and Abigail Rose Becker, all of Marlboro; her brother, Reginald Girling of Scotland; and her dear Ginger Sullivan of Lowell, and her children, Sharon Finnegan, Peter Sullivan, Jr., Jill Sullivan, Joanne Curtis, Kathleen McSorley, Shelagh Pickett, and Shaun Sullivan. Mrs. Baker also leaves 26 nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Frank, Sidney and William Girling, and Florence Pigott, Lillian Pigott, Grace Walker, Dorothy Girling and May Whitby. BAKER In Lowell, November 22, 2008. Rose Adelaide (Girling) Baker, 98, beloved wife of the late Ernest J. Baker, and loving mother of Rosemary C. Durkin of Tewksbury. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL on WEDNESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 26, from 10 o'clock until 12 Noon. Mrs. Baker's Funeral Service will be held at 12 Noon at the Funeral Home. Her burial will be private. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Rose's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown,MA02472. ARRANGEMENTS BY FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222.