Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home & Cremation Service
212 East Justis Street
Newport (Wilmington),
DE
19804
Fax:
(302) 998-8324
Email:
nicholsgilmore@aol.com
Bom-Wrapper
November 26, 2020
Memorial Candles Lit for Phyllis | SEE ALL
Obituary for Phyllis Jean Baker
Print
Phyllis Jean Baker
(June 24, 1931 – November 26, 2020)
*****A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, June 27th at Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, Pennsylvania. The evite link is: http://evite.me/VVDsuAWarY
Phyllis Jean Atwood Baker (nee Elbertson) was born on June 24, 1931 in Forked River, New Jersey to Thomas and Dora Elbertson. Phyllis attended Rutgers University as a fine arts major, concentrating in pen-and-ink and watercolor. She was married to Richard William Atwood from 1955 until his death in 1968. Phyllis and Richard represented the United States as members of the diplomatic corps in Panama and Germany during their married life. Richard, Phyllis and their children travelled extensively throughout continental Europe, enjoying regional food, art, architecture and culture. These experiences nurtured a life-long passion in cooking and baking. You were sure to have a delicious, beautifully prepared meal when invited to dine with Phyllis!
In 1971, Phyllis married Allen Baker and relocated to Delaware. She developed an avid interest in American antiques, eventually becoming a local antiques dealer. Phyllis loved learning about and researching antiques. The capstone of her career was co-authoring an article about stone books for the magazine Early American Life. Additionally, Phyllis was proud to be an art teacher in the after school program at Tower Hill School for almost 20 years, where she was known for imaginative bulletin boards, creative newsletters, and unique projects that she developed for her students. After retiring from Tower Hill, Phyllis taught art as a volunteer at the Lora Little Senior Center for ten years.
Phyllis’s talent and passion for art was evident throughout her life, and often expressed itself in needlework and textiles. She made dolls from vintage cloth and natural fibers which were commissioned by the American Museum of Folk Art in New York City. More recently, she designed and marketed original Russian punch needle works.
Phyllis loved her independence, but cherished her friendships. She was highly appreciative of any kindness, and generous towards others. Good manners were important to Phyllis. She will be remembered fondly as a gentle mother who loved her children dearly. One of Phyllis’s favorite poems was Something Told The Wild Geese by Rachel Field. Even when very ill, Phyllis would smile and recite verses as they were read to her.
Phyllis is predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Dora Elbertson; her husbands, Richard Atwood and Allen Baker; her brother, Thomas Elbertson, Jr; and her daughter, Susan Campbell.
She is survived by her brothers, Lowell Elbertson and David Elbertson (Joyce); her children, Joy Brogan (Tim), Amy Streaker, Alan Atwood (Jennifer), Heather Melick (Will), and Angela Baker; and her grandchildren, Jason McFate, Bridget Campbell, Morgan Campbell, Hunter Campbell and Connor Campbell; Patrick Brogan, Emily Brogan and Claire Brogan; and Sam Atwood.
The family wishes to thank the caring doctors, nurses and staff at the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit at Christiana Care, and the doctors, nurses and staff of Seasons Hospice for their compassion, understanding and dedication during our mother’s last months.
*****A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, June 27th at Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, Pennsylvania. The evite link is: http://evite.me/VVDsuAWarY
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Delaware Nature Education Society in Phyllis’s name.
(June 24, 1931 – November 26, 2020)
*****A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, June 27th at Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, Pennsylvania. The evite link is: http://evite.me/VVDsuAWarY
Phyllis Jean Atwood Baker (nee Elbertson) was born on June 24, 1931 in Forked River, New Jersey to Thomas and Dora Elbertson. Phyllis attended Rutgers University as a fine arts major, concentrating in pen-and-ink and watercolor. She was married to Richard William Atwood from 1955 until his death in 1968. Phyllis and Richard represented the United States as members of the diplomatic corps in Panama and Germany during their married life. Richard, Phyllis and their children travelled extensively throughout continental Europe, enjoying regional food, art, architecture and culture. These experiences nurtured a life-long passion in cooking and baking. You were sure to have a delicious, beautifully prepared meal when invited to dine with Phyllis!
In 1971, Phyllis married Allen Baker and relocated to Delaware. She developed an avid interest in American antiques, eventually becoming a local antiques dealer. Phyllis loved learning about and researching antiques. The capstone of her career was co-authoring an article about stone books for the magazine Early American Life. Additionally, Phyllis was proud to be an art teacher in the after school program at Tower Hill School for almost 20 years, where she was known for imaginative bulletin boards, creative newsletters, and unique projects that she developed for her students. After retiring from Tower Hill, Phyllis taught art as a volunteer at the Lora Little Senior Center for ten years.
Phyllis’s talent and passion for art was evident throughout her life, and often expressed itself in needlework and textiles. She made dolls from vintage cloth and natural fibers which were commissioned by the American Museum of Folk Art in New York City. More recently, she designed and marketed original Russian punch needle works.
Phyllis loved her independence, but cherished her friendships. She was highly appreciative of any kindness, and generous towards others. Good manners were important to Phyllis. She will be remembered fondly as a gentle mother who loved her children dearly. One of Phyllis’s favorite poems was Something Told The Wild Geese by Rachel Field. Even when very ill, Phyllis would smile and recite verses as they were read to her.
Phyllis is predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Dora Elbertson; her husbands, Richard Atwood and Allen Baker; her brother, Thomas Elbertson, Jr; and her daughter, Susan Campbell.
She is survived by her brothers, Lowell Elbertson and David Elbertson (Joyce); her children, Joy Brogan (Tim), Amy Streaker, Alan Atwood (Jennifer), Heather Melick (Will), and Angela Baker; and her grandchildren, Jason McFate, Bridget Campbell, Morgan Campbell, Hunter Campbell and Connor Campbell; Patrick Brogan, Emily Brogan and Claire Brogan; and Sam Atwood.
The family wishes to thank the caring doctors, nurses and staff at the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit at Christiana Care, and the doctors, nurses and staff of Seasons Hospice for their compassion, understanding and dedication during our mother’s last months.
*****A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, June 27th at Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, Pennsylvania. The evite link is: http://evite.me/VVDsuAWarY
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Delaware Nature Education Society in Phyllis’s name.
Subscribe to Updates
Connect with families at their time of loss. By subscribing to email updates, you will receive two daily updates containing all new stories, photos, candle lightings, condolences, and more.