M. Jacqueline Baker

M. Jacqueline Baker, 85, of Fenwick Island and Ocean View, Del., formerly of Carlisle, died on Monday, April 16, 2012, at Berlin Nursing Home in Berlin, Md.

She was born in Carlisle on May 12, 1926, a daughter of Ernest C. and Regina Sheafer Baker, long time residents and local business owners.

A 1952 graduate of Shippensburg State Teachers College, "Jackie" commanded a varied and interesting education background: A University of Delaware master's degree (1957), post-grad work at D.C.'s American U (1960-64), a PhD. in education philosophy from the University of the New World in Valais, Switzerland (1972) - an experimental institution she helped found and operate that catered to the innovative learning styles of troubled 1960's rebels. Her teaching experience ranged from New York to Florida; the gifted to the special needs students. She retired in 1991 from William Penn High School in New Castle, Del., after almost 40 years of dedicated work.

Her religious affiliation, like her teaching history, was quite eclectic: The United Church of Christ in Carlisle, the Roman Catholic Church, and the conservative church of Christ in Colora, Md., her last formal association.

Jackie is survived by her sister, Jean B. Baker of Crossville, Tenn.; and by cousins in the Pittsburg, Milwaukee and Carlisle areas.

She will be interred on Sunday, April 29 at 1:30 p.m., alongside her parents, in Carlisle's Westminster Cemetery. There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, May 12 at 5 p.m. at 39085 Bayfront Dr., Ocean View, DE 19970.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.