Elaine Frances (Benson) Baker

Elaine F. Baker Athol - Elaine Frances Baker, entered into an eternal rest on Friday, January 4, 2013.   Visitation will take place Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at The Salvation Army in Athol at 107 Ridge Avenue from 12:00pm-1:00pm followed by the celebration service at 1:00pm. Elaine was born on February 4, 1943 in Lawrence, MA to Edward and Eleanor Benson.  She graduated from Mahar Regional High School in Orange.  A lifelong member of The Salvation Army, she ministered as an officer for many years and the balance of her life as a soldier of the Athol Corps, where she played the piano and held various leadership positions in the church.  Elaine graduated from Fitchburg State College with a BA in Social Work and worked locally as a caseworker for many years.   She was passionate about helping people and she was an avid artist and writer. She is preceded in death by her brother, Paul Benson, of New York. She is survived by many loved ones including her son James (Beth) Baker of Sturbridge, MA and three daughters, Julie Baker of Arlington, MA, Jen (Drew) Forster of Sharon, MA and Jodi (Philip) Lloyd of Suffern, NY and her niece, Helen Benson of Alaska and nephew, Eric Olson of Athol.  Elaine had nine grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Zachary, Lauren, Samuel, Riley, Sydney, Sophia, Bradley, Benjamin and Luke. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Salvation Army in Athol, www.salvationarmyma.org/athol.  Condolences can be sent to Jen Forster at 16 Spring Lane, Sharon, MA 02067 or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });