Dr. Alberta Baker

Dr. Alberta Pew Baker, formerly of Ardmore Dr. Alberta (Bertie) Hensel Pew Baker, B.A., BEd., Dr. Litt, Age 87, of Chester, Nova Scotia: Beloved Mother, Cherished Friend, Philanthropist, and Untiring Supporter of the Disadvantaged, finally completed her life’s journey on December 6th, 2015 and went to be with her Maker. Bertie grew up in Ardmore Pennsylvania, attended the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, during which time she won numerous awards and ribbons for exemplary horsemanship and for academic achievement. She attended boarding school at Garrison Forest in Maryland. After her graduation she attended Sweet Briar College in Virginia where she was Vice Chair of the Judicial Board, President of her Junior and Senior class, member of, the Newspaper the Brambler, Tau Phi -Sorority, the Choir, the Glee Club, the Political Economy and English Club. She was an avid field hockey player , and captain of the school team which competed internationally and which was known as the “toughest” in Virginia. She graduated from Sweet Briar College with Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in political science and nuclear physics. In 1951 she married Dr. David W. Baker, a physician and ordained Presbyterian Minister. They settled in St. Davids Pennsylvania and had six children during which time Bertie was an active member in the church, a Sunday school teacher, and an enthusiastic school Book Fair organizer. In 1971 she and her family moved to Chester, Nova Scotia where they opened a tea room and bookshop called the Thirsty Thinkers. At the time the local school did not have a library and Bertie and her husband David wanted to make books easily available to the people in the community. In 1973, following the elimination of special education classes from the public school system Bertie launched the idea of creating an exceptional educational and residential facility where special needs individuals would be provided with opportunities to experience a new life; a life of self-respect, love for one another, dignity, integrity, productivity, the development of life skills and community living. She and a few other like-minded individuals created the South Shore Community Services Association and under its auspices Bonny Lea Farm was born. Bertie dedicated her life and her resources to the serving and improving the lives of those with special needs. She served as President of the Board of both organizations and several sub- committees for more than 40 years until her passing. She also served on the Board of the Chester Baptist Church Expansion Committee, on the Board of Shoreham Village and as a choir member in the Chester Baptist Church, one of her true joys. Ever hungry for knowledge and learning, at age 57 Bertie completed her Bachelors of Education degree at St. Mary’s University with honours, and went on to complete her course work for a Master’s in Psychology at Mount St. Vincent University. Among her many talents and hobbies was her trained soprano voice, an avid love for gardening and wildlife, a winning yacht racing skipper with numerous trophies in her name and the name of the Chester C boat (The Whim) as one of a very few women who competed with confidence among the rough and ready men of the local yacht clubs, a field hockey quarterback, an equestrian champion, and an exceptional Mother and wife. Bertie manifestly contributed to special education in the Province of Nova Scotia and pioneered new attitudes towards the treatment and care of people with special needs. She fearlessly fought old and outdated methodologies and was undaunted by anyone who wanted to cling to the old ways. She had unsurpassed courage, faith and determination, and she championed every cause she believed in with all of her energy and strength. She was the recipient of several prestigious awards and citations for her volunteer work and pioneering ideas among which were: an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from St. Mary’s University (1985); The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for service to community and country (2012); and the Governor General of Canada’s Caring Canadian Award in 2014. There are untold hundreds or organizations and individuals who were recipients of Bertie’s magnanimous generosity. She gave without hesitation, and never expecting anything in return. She gave from the depths of her heart. Her whole life was devoted to giving of herself and of her resources to help others. Hers was a life of true Christian dedication and service. Predeceased by her Father: Joseph N. Pew Jr. and Mother: Alberta Caven Hensel Pew of Philadelphia, siblings: Eleanor Morris, Mary Benson, Joseph N. Pew III, husband David, and son David, she has many loved ones to welcome her home. She is survived by her children: Deborah Baker, Rebecca Baker, Alberta (Bonnie) Baker, Joseph Baker, Joanna Baker, grandchildren Jennifer Chasse Baker, Jacques Baker, Giovanna Casanova Baker, and great grandchild Ethan Sooley. Funeral service: December 14, 1pm, Chester Baptist Church on King Street Chester, Nova Scotia. Interment and Reception to follow. Visitation to be held at Davis Funeral Home (902-275-3811), Chester, from 2-5 Saturday, December 12. Flowers or Donations welcome. Donations to a Seeing Eye Dog or Service Dog School of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family to dbaker@ns.sympatico.ca.