On March 3, 2018, Laurie Baker Bartholomae, 58, left this earth to be in a more beautiful place with her beloved mother, Carol Baker, and father, Richard Baker. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters and husband. Laurie loved to love and was an amazing, sweet soul. She loved her parents, loved her brothers, loved her daughters and husband, and oh how she loved the beach and all of God’s creations. Laurie grew up in West Boylston and attended Middlebury College where she received Bachelor’s Degrees in Spanish and French and a Master’s Degree in Spanish. It was at Middlebury that she met her husband, Guillermo. The two moved to Germany where their two treasured daughters Carissa and Constanza were born. After several years they moved back to the United States and Laurie received another Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Assumption College.
There was nothing that Laurie loved more than making those around her smile. She was a passionate teacher and never missed an opportunity to share her stories and wealth of knowledge with others. Laurie was a writer at heart, and always had a way with words and with people. She loved to travel and to put her language knowledge into use. Laurie spoke French, Spanish, and German in addition to her native English. Laurie loved the arts and was always working on a new project. She loved to paint, and to re-create beautiful, artistic goods that she used to decorate her home. Her laughter, passion and stories will be what her family will miss the most about her.
Laurie is survived by her husband Guillermo and daughters Carissa and Constanza Bartholomae, all of West Boylston; her brothers, Richard J. Baker Jr. of Madison, WI and Scott Baker of Round Rock, TX. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Baker, and mother Carol Baker.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of her dedication to human communication through foreign language, contributions in Laurie’s name can be made to the Worcester State Foundation, 486 Chandler Street Worcester, MA 01602. In the memo portion, payment can be directed to the World Languages Department, In Memory of Laurie Bartholomae.
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.