Obituary of Lydia May Baker

Lydia May Baker of Media, PA passed away on May 22, 2021.  Lydia was born on October 24, 1930 in Old Town, Maine.  Her parents were Emile J. and Lydia Marie Paradis.  Lydia attended St. Joseph Catholic School for eight years and later graduated from Old Town High School.  Following that, she pursued a career in the Federal Civil Service in Washington, D.C. She retired from this occupation when she was 63.  

In 1957, Lydia married Lt. Ward J. Baker of the United States Air Force at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor Maine.  Shortly thereafter, they moved to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, where Ward would be stationed for three years. During Ward’s Air Force career, they lived in many places in the United States, Europe, and the South Pacific.  While doing this, they raised a son and daughter.

After her husband’s retirement from the Air Force, the couple remained in the Washington DC area for fifteen years which was followed by a move to Phoenix, Arizona where they remained for ten years.  In 2006, they moved to Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania to be closer to family. Lydia pursued many hobbies during her life, but painting was her favorite pastime.

Lydia was deeply committed to her faith and throughout her life, she dedicated time to serving the church as a volunteer and to her communities through prayer.  Lydia was a member of the Legion of Mary for many years. 

In addition to her parents, Lydia is preceded in death by her siblings:  Eugene Paradis, Annette King, Marguerite Finley, Laura Francoise and Mitchell Paradis.  Lydia is survived by her husband Col. Ward J. Baker (retired); a son, Ward M. Baker (spouse Robyn Burkett Baker) of Lexington, Kentucky; a daughter, Lori A. Bruce (spouse Edward Bruce) of Wilmington, Delaware; grandchildren:  Rebecca A. Baker, Edward L. Bruce, Robert M. Baker, Jason W. Bruce and great-granddaughter Emma Grace Levens.

Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing, Friday, May 28, 2021 from 9:30-10:15AM at Saint Thomas The Apostle Church, (New Church) 430 Valleybrook Rd., Glen Mills, PA followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30AM. Interment, All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Maryknoll Mission Associated of the Faithful, PO Box 307, Maryknoll, NY 10545 or to Catholic Charities, 2601 W. 4th Street, Wilmington, DE 19805.