A lifetime resident of the area, Elva Baker passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Monday, November 7, 2011. She was 91.
Elva was born in Winchester Township, on February 22, 1920, to her parents Samuel and Carrie De Clare (nee Jannack). Because Elva’s mother was a live-in housekeeper for the Honorable George Challies, MPP, Elva lived north of Morrisburg with her aunt and uncle Elmer and Gladys Jannack during her public school days. During her high school years, she lived with Maria Murdock in Morrisburg.
On March 22, 1938, Elva married Merne Baker, and together they were blessed with the arrival of two sons, Ray and Dale. Her husband, like many of the husbands back then, served his country as a member of the Canadian Army during World War 2.
With her husband serving in the war, Elva was left to raise her two young sons. She worked at the Tack Factory in Morrisburg to support her family until Merne returned.
After the war, Merne returned home, and he and Elva were blessed with the birth of their daughter Debbie in 1946, and their son Dennis in 1952.
Merne resumed his job as salesman for Wonder Bakeries and Elva began her retail career in the York store in the old town of Morrisburg. Then after the Seaway, she continued her sales career for many years in the Beamish store in the new shopping centre.
She later worked for Mac Wilson at the Rexall Drug store until she stopped to care for her mother who had become ill. After her mother’s passing, she went to work at McGillis Hardware and remained there for many years until she retired in 1982.
Elva was a very active member of the community. She enjoyed playing darts, bowling and cards. In the winter months she excelled at curling and shuffle board until her health problems forced her to retire from sporting activities. She also enjoyed many bus trips to Florida with her family and friends.
Elva was an active member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary of Branch 48, Morrisburg for many years, having held several different offices, including president. She was also the catering coordinator for the Ladies Auxiliary for many years, until her health prevented her from fulfilling those duties.
Following Merne’s death in 1979, Elva lived alone in her home at 54 Loyalist Street until moving to the Hartford Home in November of 2009. She lived for two years at the Hartford, until she moved to the Dundas Manor in Winchester, in August of 2011.
Elva is survived by her children Ray (Charlene) Baker of Morrisburg, Dale (Sylvia) Baker of Gananoque, Debbie Helmer (Bill Renshaw) of Morrisburg, and Dennis Baker (Fran Guindon) of Morrisburg.
She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Joanne (Brian) Carolen, Sean (Beth) Baker, Angie (Dan) Hamilton, Laurie (Martin) Kuchirka, Jamie (Shelley) Helmer, Penny (Dave) Powell, Gerald (Donna) Baker, Kathy Fernetich (Dave Redmond), Larry Baker (Jamie Murry) and by her great-grandchildren Lexi, Ryan, Matthew, Zachary, Robin, Sierra, Kai, Stefanie, Bradley, Amanda, Taylor, Paige, Jade, Dawson, Jarred, Marissa and Ethan.
She is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Elva was predeceased by her brother Arnold DeClare, her daughter-in-law Margaret Baker and her son-in-law Bill Helmer.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. A Legion Ladies Auxiliary Service was held on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m.
Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Friday, November 11th at 3 p.m., with Rev. Arlyce Schiebout officiating.
Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery, Mariatown. Pallbearers were grandchildren Sean Baker, Angie Hamilton, Laurie Kuchirka, Jamie Helmer, Penny Powers and Larry Baker.
Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.
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