Carol Schotte Baker was born in Worcester, MA on March 14, 1934 to Charles and
Greta Schotte. Carol grew up in Massachusetts and lived most of her life in West
Boylston, Ma. After her birth, her mother became ill, and Carol was moved to
Huntington, in the Berkshires, to live with her beloved Aunt Hazel and Uncle DeWitt on
their farm. Carol observed and took part in all the activity on this large farm and grain
storage facility. Carol was very happy on the farm but at the age of five, her parents
moved her back to Worcester, Ma. Her mother was well enough to care for her at this
point.
Carol attended Worcester Public Schools and then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts
from Clark University in 1955. At Clark University she met and fell in love with her
husband of 59 years, Richard J. Baker "Dick" (Dick passed away just over two years
ago). They were married in 1956 and then moved to Baumholder, Germany where
Richard served in the US Army for two years. He was part of the Tank Battalion, “Hell
on Wheels”. This force served mainly as a Russian deterrent. After serving their tour of
duty, they returned to the US and settled in Boston, MA where Dick attended and
graduated from Boston University Law School. Carol worked as a claims adjuster at
Liberty Mutual while Dick was attending Law School (she was a diligent worker and fully
supported them through Dick's time in Law School).
After graduating Law School, Dick landed a job as an attorney at Allmerica Financial in
Worcester, MA. Carol and Dick had three beautiful children and raised their family of
three children, Laurie, Rick, and Scott in West Boylston, Ma. After her children were
grown, Carol returned to school at Assumption and received her Masters Degree in
Special Education. She worked at Quinsigamond Community College as an English and
Learning Disabilities tutor, West Boylston Public Schools as a reading tutor, and in the
Winchendon Public Schools as a Special Needs teacher. She became a very
accomplished reading specialist with an expertise in teaching children with dyslexia.
She was successful and well-liked by her students and colleagues. Many young adults
owe their ability to read to Carol’s dedicated and skillful teaching methods. Carol was
also the founder and director of the Community Nursery at the First Congregational
Church in West Boylston from 1964-1970.
Carol was known as a forward thinking entrepreneur and feminist. Her accomplishments
teaching, and founding the Community Nursery were no easy feat and she was met with
much opposition at the time, as women were expected to stay at home and raise their
families. Carol has always had a kind heart and an eye for justice and fairness. She
would be the first identify and speak up against injustice. She was a strong advocate for
her children, her husband and her students. She was a lover of animals and donated to
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals throughout her life.
She is survived by her two children, Dr. Richard J Baker Jr., Scott C. Baker, and seven
grandchildren. Carol had a close relationship with her daughter, Laurie. Laurie passed away a day after her mother.
Family and friends will gather to honor, remember and celebrate the lives of Carol and Laurie on April 7th from 10:30 am-1230 pm at Fay Brothers Funeral Home, One West Boylston Street, West Boylston. A private family burial will follow.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Online at mspca.org. Click on Donate Now? upper right. Click on memorial.? Gifts can be made in Carol’s name.