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Jane M. Baker

  • May 6, 1928 - July 27, 2011
  • Brattleboro, Vermont
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Memories & Candles

“Jane was a wonderful lady. I remember her kindness when I visited my grandmother in Brattleboro, and again when we came up for Margaret McArthur's...Read More » ”
1 of 12 | Posted by: Brian Suddeth - Bowie, MD

“Dear Baker Family: What a wonderful woman Jane was! Such a fighter and yet always a gracious and warm person. I am deeply sorry that she has passed...Read More » ”
2 of 12 | Posted by: Chris Hart - Brattleboro, VT

“Dear Steven and family, We were so sorry to hear about Jane.Hoping wonderful memories and the love and strength of your family will help during...Read More » ”
3 of 12 | Posted by: Marilyn & Allan Gill - VT

“Dear Steven and family, We were so sorry to hear about Jane.Hoping wonderful memories and the love and strength of your family will help during...Read More » ”
4 of 12 | Posted by: Marilyn & Allan Gill - VT

“Dear Steve and Family, A note to let you know how sorry I was to learn of Jane's passing. She was always a pleasure to chat with here at the...Read More » ”
5 of 12 | Posted by: Peter J. Duff - Brattleboro, VT

“Steve: We are so sorry to hear about Jane's death. However, you were very fortunate to have such a wonderful person to be by your side for over...Read More » ”
6 of 12 | Posted by: Sam & Gincy Bunker - VT

“Dear Bakers, All of us here at Stevens & Associates are so sorry for your loss. Jane will be sorely missed by us and by the whole community. ”
7 of 12 | Posted by: Bob Stevens - Brattleboro, VT

“To All the Bakers - My sincere condolences. We all grew up together in a wonderful community, made better by the families we all called friends...Read More » ”
8 of 12 | Posted by: Bill Cantus - Gig Harbor, WA

“Steve and Family-I am so sorry to hear of Jane's passing. She was a very busy and caring lady. Clarence always enjoyed helping Jane move the books....Read More » ”
9 of 12 | Posted by: Bev Knapp - Dummerston, VT

“The Steve Baker family, i'm so sorry for your loss. Mrs Baker always made me feel welcome when i came to your home, to spend time with Steve Jr. my...Read More » ”
10 of 12 | Posted by: Marc Sprague - Hinsdale, NH

“Steve - I am SO SORRY. How ironic that the Middlebury Magazine which came today had your quote about how Jane had taken care of you for 55 years...Read More » ”
11 of 12 | Posted by: Marty Fenn - brattleboro, VT

“We are saddened to hear about Jane, but we feel so lucky to have known her for even the short time that we did. Hers was the first friendly face we...Read More » ”
12 of 12 | Posted by: Hisham and Diane Tayeby - VT


Brattleboro- Jane Murdoch Baker, 83, of Macintosh Lane died peacefully at her home early Wednesday morning, July 27, 2011 with her family at her side following a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Mrs. Baker was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on May 6, 1928 the daughter of Ian and Helena (Hynes) Murdoch. She was raised and educated in Fitchburg and later graduated from Middlebury College where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1950. She had been employed as a dietician at Dartmouth College from 1950-1952 and also at Burbank Hospital in Fitchburg from 1952-1953. Mrs. Baker later worked at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston as an assistant in the Department of Decoration Arts of Western Europe and America, 1953-1955. From 1982 up until the time her illness prevented her from working she served as a magazine and newspaper consultant with her family's business, Baker's Incorporated in Brattleboro. Very active in her community, she served as a Cub Scout leader and Den mother for Cub Scout Pack #447 in Brattleboro, from 1963 to 1978 was an officer and member of the Academy School PTA and served as an auxiliary volunteer at the Brattleboro Retreat. From 1974 to 1982 she served on the Choate School Mother's Committee. She was active for many years with the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Auxiliary as a member of the Board and former officer and director. With her husband she was honored at a fund raiser, "Giving from the Heart" Gala held on February 12, 2011 at West Village Meetinghouse. Mrs. Baker was a Brattleboro Museum and Art Center volunteer and was also active with the Brattleboro Historical Society for many years. Additionally she served as a trustee for five years at Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro. Her other activities included affiliation with the American Association of University Women, Brattleboro Branch where she chaired several committees that included, Cultural, Membership, Hospitality, Legislative and Scholarship. She was also Book Sale Co-Chairman and President, 1980-1984. For the year 1984 she was honored by the Brattleboro Branch of the AAUW and in her honor an educational grant was established in her name. Later, in 1988 Mrs. Baker was appointed to the state board of AAUW. In May of 1985 she was appointed class representative on alumni council, Middlebury College. In 1994 she became co-founder of the Brattleboro Area Breast Cancer Support Group and was recognized in a full page Brattleboro Reformer article entitled, A strong appreciation for life. Steadfast in her daily walk of faith, Mrs. Baker was a communicant of Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Church where from 1968-1978 she served as a religious education teacher for the parish. Of her leisure time activities she was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening and time shared with her family especially her five grandchildren. On January 29, 1956 at Saint Bernard's Catholic Church in Fitchburg she was married to Stephen E. Baker who survives. Besides her loving husband of 55 years she leaves three sons, James F. Baker, II of Dummerston, Jonathan S. Baker of Encino, CA and Stephen E. Baker of Oakland, CA, one sister, Nancy Murdoch Moran of Easthampton, MA, five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Janet Lee Christy who succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 36 in 1997, leaving behind two young sons. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Michael's Catholic Church. Celebrating the Mass will be Rev. Richard O'Donnell, pastor, and Rev. William Sheehan, OMI, former pastor of Saint Michael's Church.. Committal Rites and burial will follow the Mass in the Baker lot in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the start of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Baker's name may be made to, Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Breast Cancer Support Group, 9 Belmont Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Kelly A. McCue, R.N.