Emerald (Peggy) Baker

Memorial services have been set for Emerald M. “Peggy” Baker, age 92, of Monroe, MI who passed away Friday, December 26, 2008 in Mercy Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Friends may call on Saturday, January 17, 2009 from 12:30 PM until a memorial services celebrating her life at 2:00 PM in the 1st Presbyterian Church. The Rev.’s Dean and Ellen McGormley will officiate. Peggy was born January 14, 1916 in Manitowoc, WI, the daughter of the late Capt. Arthur and Margarethe (Hawthorn) Forbes. In 1933 the family moved to Monroe from Ashtabula, OH. Peggy was a 1936 graduate of Monroe High School. In 1938 Peggy married LeRoy H. Baker in Angola, IN. Sadly he preceded her in death on January 12, 1952. Peggy was employed as a Customer Service Representative at Sears Roebuck and Company in Monroe for 11 ½ years, prior to that she worked as a part time Librarian at the Frenchtown / Dixie Library. She retired in January of 1981 from Sears. In 1935 Peggy joined the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe where she was quite active. Peggy was a Deacon of the church, taught Sunday School and the Youth Club and was a member of their women’s circles. Peggy was a charter member Frenchtown Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary where she served as a past president and the recording secretary. Peggy also was a member of the Woodland / Dixie Extension Club and served as a foster grandmother in the Monroe Public Schools where she was known as “Grandma Peggy”, at Lincoln School and most recently at the South Monroe Townsite School. Peggy is survived by her children; Mark J. (Patti Blazoff) Baker of Monroe, MI and Mary Margaret McInerney of Adrian, MI, 4 grandchildren; Maureen (Montes) (Rick) Beauregard of Petersburg, MI, Brenna (Montes) Rinaldi of Adrian, MI, Michael (Tammy) McInerney of Oregon, OH and Penelope Baker of New York, NY, 3 great grandchildren, and a daughter in law Rita G. Baker of Newport, MI. In addition to her husband and parents, Peggy was preceded in death by a son Allen L. Baker, a daughter Martha Jean Baker a granddaughter Garnet Jean Baker, 2 sisters Rene and Maureen and a brother Edwin. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Presbyterian Church. According to Peggy’s wishes cremation has been held. The Bacarella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.