Irene "Baker" Traverse

Irene (Baker) Traverse joined her late husband Robert T. Traverse on Thursday August 21, 2025 at her home in Castleton surrounded by her family and her buddy Rescue.

Irene was born on December 27, 1931 in Pawlet; one of thirteen children of the late David and Jane (Teer) Baker. She married Robert on June 11, 1949 in Wallingford, Vermont. Soon after their marriage the couple made their home in Castleton where they owned and operated the dairy farm on Birdseye Road.

A devoted stay-at-home mother and grandmother, she filled her home with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible smell of something baking in the oven.

A woman of deep devotion and simple joys, Irene was best known for the love she poured into her family and community. Her hands were rarely still-whether she was crocheting afghans for loved ones, crafting beautiful ceramics, an active participant in Home Dem, square dancing the night away with Rob and their friends, baking her famous homemade cakes for every birthday and special occasion or in her later years, putting together puzzles and winning against those that challenged her to RummiKube.

Her baked beans and potato salad were unmatched and eagerly anticipated at every gathering. On Sunday mornings, her kitchen became the heart of the neighborhood, where she hosted breakfasts that welcomed all with open arms and a hot meal.

Irene had a competitive spirit and a sharp mind, especially when it came to playing cards with her family. She could hold her own at the table-and in the woods. A passionate hunter, she proudly kept pace with the best of them. Her love for the outdoors extended to snowmobiling and later in life, long Saturday drives which often ended with a visit to friends or family and sharing stories.

A lifelong supporter of her children's endeavors, Irene was a charter member of the Fair Haven Union High School Booster Club, attending and supporting all her children's extracurriculars. That's a lot of activities!

She will be remembered for her generous heart where she enriched the lives of families in the community, her quick wit, her unmatched culinary creations, and the way she made everyone feel at home in her presence. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to family.

Irene is survived by her ten children, Sandra (Wayne) Davis, Susan (Dinty) Moore, Larry (Sue) Traverse, Brian Traverse (Patricia McCarthy), Tim (Michelle) Traverse, and Tom Traverse all of Castleton, Glen (Barb) Traverse of Fair Haven, Russ (Renee) Traverse of Sudbury, George Traverse of Orwell, and Peter (Deb) Traverse of Holland Patent, NY. She is also survived by four sisters Janice (Neil) Bendig, Betty Forrest, Linda Baker, Carol Hart, two brothers Norvin (Charlotte) Baker, Percy (Tina) Baker and one Cousin Helen Young, 33 Grandchildren, 41 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her two sons Martin P and Robert H Traverse, four brothers Veron (Skip), Robert, David, Richard (Dick) Baker, two sisters Doris Benson, Geraldine Bouley

There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of Irene for family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at noon at the Family Cemetery in Poultney, VT. Private burial at family's convenience

The Traverse Family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the VNA Hospice for the compassionate care that they provided to both Irene and her family. God Bless you Fran.

Memorial contributions may be made to RAVNA Hospice 7 Albert Cree Dr. Rutland VT 05701

Arrangements are entrusted to the Durfee Funeral Home of Fair Haven. To offer a message of condolence, kindly go to www.durfeefuneralhome.com