On March 27 th , Ruth Eisfeld Baker, 87, passed peacefully into the arms of the Dear Lord. Hours before, thanks to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Retirement Villa in Center Valley, Father Richard Kennedy prayed the 121st Psalm with her, among other prayers and Brother Jim Miller added his prayers. Rose Mincey comforted her, accommodating her immediate needs. Jane Desnouee conveyed to her the wishes of her MSC Villa friends, in a card that Rose brought along to Phoebe Nursing Home that afternoon. At that time, Ruth shared with Jane that the Lord was with her.
Although Ruth Baker, a long-time Administrative Assistant at MSC Villa, was not Catholic, in the true spirit of Ecumenism in the Villa chapel, Father Kennedy officiated at a Scripture Wake Service for Ruth on April 7 in the Villa Chapel. This simple yet beautiful service was attended by many resident MSC priests and brothers, as well as former co-workers and friends at the Villa. A lovely luncheon followed in the Villa Dining Room.
Remarks were offered before the service in the chapel, as well as during the luncheon by close friends, Father Kennedy, her former employer as well as Denny Lichtenwalner, who took care of her burial at Hillside Cemetery in Ardley. In addition her landlady, Joy Seglets apportioned her belongings to charity, and Jane Desnouee, donated Ruth’s extensive library to the AAUW Book Fair which provides educational scholarships for young women. In summary, all regarded Ruth as a woman of strong and unquenchable faith and a kind and supportive listener and friend.
May she rest in peace. Amen and Alleluia!