Emily passed peacefully in the arms of daughter Karen and son-in-law David at her side. Born Liverpool, England, married Thomas (Tom) Clifford Baker 1955, immigrated to Canada with two young children 1963. From humble beginnings, forging a new life in Canada was difficult, but their commitment to a better future kept them motivated to succeed. Tom and Emily built an amazing life, filled with happiness and optimism.
Predeceased by her husband, parents and siblings. Survived by daughter Karen Baker-MacGrotty (David MacGrotty) and son Clifford Baker. Beloved grandmother to Alysia MacGrotty, Matthew MacGrotty (Aliya), Thomas Francis, Samantha Knox (Trevor), Krysti Gilpin (Jeffrey) and great-grandchildren Grace, Jeffrey and Adam. Emily was proud of Tom, her family, their accomplishments and community service. She will be deeply missed.
Known for her charm, polite mannerisms and gentle smile, Emily loved fashion, travel, entertaining, theatre, music and ballroom dancing. Tom and Emily toured Canada, regularly visited Great Britain and enjoyed Spain, Japan, China and Mexico. She loved the ocean, particularly the seaside beach resorts in south England, East and West Coast USA, Maritimes and Hawaii, as well as three Trans-Atlantic cruises. As a 45-year member of Hyack Festival Association, she represented the Royal City with Tom in various BC and Pacific Northwest parades.
Emily thrived in her career in retail sales and supported her husband’s political ambitions as a New Westminster Alderman 1978-82 and Maple Ridge City Councillor 1994-97. Emily excelled in the busy life as First Lady when Tom was Mayor of New Westminster 1982-88, always carrying out their civic duties with dignity and pride. Through reciprocal visits, they maintained the sister city relationship of New Westminster and Moriguchi, Japan. Hosting the 1983 Royal Visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip to New Westminster and being invited onboard HMY Britannia in Vancouver for the royal couple’s evening reception, were highlights of their public life. Emily described it as “a young English girl’s dream come true!”
Devoted to each other, Tom and Emily were inseparable. Now laid to rest in peace in St. Peter’s Cemetery together again for all eternity in everlasting love. Donations appreciated to the Baker MacGrotty Family Endowment Scholarship at New Westminster Secondary School
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Emily Baker April 25 1931 – March 28 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique