BAKER, HELEN ROSAMOND (RITCHIE) At the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on February 28, 2003 from a brief illness. Born in Upper Kent, Carleton County NB on November 18, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Elmer T. and Marion J. (Henderson) Ritchie. She was predeceased by her brother Douglas S. Ritchie (who died in 1943 in France). She is survived by her husband of 57 years, James R. Baker; brother Cedric E. Ritchie (Don Mills Ontario); sister, Ruth I. Ritchie (Fredericton); one daughter, Elizabeth Ann Doucette (Hinsdale, Ill.); and 2 sons, James Douglas Baker (Tweedside NB) and John Cedric Baker MD (Hartland Me). She will be fondly remembered by her brother's spouse V. Barbara Ritchie (Binnington); 2 nieces, Heather Walton and Kim Persky, and their families; and her children' s spouses Des Doucette, Gail Baker (Gorman) and Gretchen Baker (Gehrke); along with eleven grandchildren; Natalie McMurtry (Baker), Tricia, and James Baker, Krista, Kevin and Angie Doucette and Simon, Megan, Katie, Breac and Maille Baker; and 2 great grandchildren Thomas and Ella McMurtry. She attended Provincial Normal School, graduated from Mount Allison University (BA) in 1945 and continued to educate herself throughout her life. She married James R. Baker on August 22, 1946. She was a lifetime member of the United Church of Canada. She taught both elementary and high school classes in various schools in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Helen was a very active community member volunteering with various organizations. One other outstanding contribution was in editing the history of the local Fredericton YMCA in a book entitled "The Y's People". She was particularly interested in the arts and was a longstanding member of the Docent Beaverbrook Art Gallery Group and a member of the Fredericton Art Club. Reading was her passion, promoting it by involvement in a literacy program and indulging herself by membership in two local book clubs. Her children and grandchildren have all benefited by the time she spent reading to them and will cherish that time. Helen lived life to the fullest, enjoying family, friends, golf, bridge and travel. She was an inspiration for her grandchildren and always wished the best for everyone. Visitation hours will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton North, on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Cremation will take place and a Public Memorial service will be held in early August 2003 at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Retired Teachers Memorial Fund, Central Branch or the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Personal condolences may be offered via www.yorkfh.com.