OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Brig. Mildred Baker was promoted to glory on April 17, Palm Sunday.

She was born on Aug. 14, 1914, at Egg Harbor, N.J., to Polish immigrant parents, Theodore and Barbara Daisy.  She was educated in Swamp and Pottstown, Pa. As a teenager, Mildred was attracted to the Salvation Army’s Girl Guards (Girl Scouts) program, which eventually lead to her call from God to become an officer.  Her entire career spanned 46 years.

She married Robert M. Baker Sr. in 1941 and together they served in Salvation Army Corps Community Centers in Burlington, Vt., Bangor, Lewiston, Middletown, Ohio, as well as Fall River and Salem, Mass. During their stay in Lewiston, from 1949 to 1969, they raised funds to build a new, modern facility at 67 Park Street.

The Bakers initiated a program for needy children at Christmas called “Operation Santa Claus” in conjunction with radio station WLAM. It was a means of providing toys and clothing for thousands over the course of many years. Their love and compassion provided hope and direction for countless young people through a vibrant and active youth program. Mildred was a tireless worker for the kingdom of God. The Baker’s three children, Robert Jr., Florence and Joel, are graduates of Edward Little High School. Mildred and her husband, Robert Sr., who predeceased her in 1989, had seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral notice:

BAKER — Mildred, died in Old Orchard Beach on April 17. Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, and it will be followed at 11 a.m. by a Celebration of Life Service at The Salvation Army Corps at 2 Sixth St., Old Orchard Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert M. Baker Memorial Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 297 Cumberland Ave., Portland, ME, 04101. The Fund financially aids individuals from the Northern New England area who attend the Salvation Army School for Officers Training at Suffern, N.Y. Arrangements are being handled by Dennett, Craig & Pate, 365 Main St., Saco, ME 04072.

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