Rosemarie Jean Baker, 387 Koehler Dr., Sharpsville, passed away peacefully at noon Thursday (12-18-08) in the UPMC Horizon Hospital, Farrell, following an extended illness. She was 73.
Mrs. Baker was born August 21, 1935 in Farrell a daughter of the late Anthony and Lucille Rossi Palanti.
She was a 1953 graduate of Farrell High School and served on its 55th class reunion committee.
Following high school, Mrs. Baker was an office worker for two years at the former Sharon Transformer Division of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. After raising her children, she was employed as a cafeteria worker for the Sharpsville Area School District for twenty five years and retired in 2003.
A homemaker, she was an active member of St. Bartholomew Church, Sharpsville, where she was a member and past officer of the Altar Rosary Society. Along with her husband, she was a volunteer worker for many years at the annual fish fry held during lent in the St. Bartholomew Social Center. Mrs. Baker was a member and past officer of the Herb Thymers, Hubbard, Ohio; a member of the Silver Sneakers at the YMCA in Hermitage and was an Avon Representative. Rosemarie loved her family, friends and life. She had an outgoing personality and enjoyed meeting and socializing with people.
A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, she leaves: her husband, Elmer Frank Baker, whom she married September 1, 1956 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006; three daughters, Melissa Burich and her husband Thomas Burich, Sharpsville; Valerie Reichart, S. Pymatuning Township; and Cheryl Nehr and her husband Jeffrey Nehr, Cranberry Township, Butler County, PA; a son, Mark Baker and his wife Kelly Baker, West Melbourne, FL; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Reichart, Thomas Burich, Gregory Reichart, Ashley Herbick, Natalie Burich, Gabrielle Nehr and Spencer Nehr; a great grandson, Jonahven Mariani; and a sister, Lucille Scott and her husband Leo Scott, Sharpsville.
Besides her parents, Mrs. Baker was preceded in death by an infant sister, Anna Louise Palanti; and a son-in-law, Michael Reichart.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Bartholomew Church Handicap Accessibility Fund, 311 W. Ridge Ave., Sharpsville, PA 16150.
Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2008, in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2008, in St. Bartholomew Church, Sharpsville, with the Rev. Matthew J. Kujawinski, pastor, as celebrant.
Interment: Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Hermitage.