Joan Elizabeth Gahagan Baker

Joan Elizabeth Gahagan Baker, 84, of Hollidaysburg, passed away Friday at Garvey Manor.  She was born in Grove City, daughter of the late Ernest Guy and Mary (Wimer) Gahagan.  On July 31, 1956, she married Robert Richard Baker at St. Bernard Church in Indiana, Pa.

Surviving are her husband; six children: Carrie Moudy and husband, Dan, in Florida, Colleen Harlow and husband, Tim, of Hollidaysburg, Cathy Stoltz of Hollidaysburg, Becky Sciance and husband, Marc, in Virginia, Jim Baker and wife, Colleen, in Virginia, and John Baker of Duncansville; twelve grandchildren: Adrienne Blaylock and husband, Andrew, Jennifer Phillips and husband, Grant, Sarah Harlow, Gracie Harlow, Megan Stoltz, Maureen McManus and husband, Allen, Maggie Stoltz, Ben Sciance and wife, Keira, Casey Sciance, Abigail Haynes and husband, Patrick, Joseph Baker, and Mackenzie Baker; five (soon to be six) great-grandchildren:  Eleanor Blaylock, Reese and Gavin Phillips, Liam and soon-to-be baby McManus, and Baker Sciance.  Also surviving are numerous close relatives, friends, and a special neighbor, Aidan Bender.

Joan was the youngest of six children, and the last survivor of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Thomas W. Stoltz Jr.

Joan was a graduate of Grove City High School, Class of 1954.  She attended Indiana State Teachers College and Saint Francis University. For years, Joan was employed as an elementary school teacher by Baltimore City Public Schools, Allegheny #2 Elementary School in Duncansville, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown at McNelis Catholic School, and Our Lady of Lourdes School.

Joan was of the Methodist faith.  She enjoyed reading, gardening, and playing cards.  She sewed countless beautiful baby quilts for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She baked delicious chocolate chip cookies, and loved hosting family dinners.

She was a wonderful wife and mother, a loving grandmother, and a great friend and neighbor.

A special acknowledgement to Garvey Manor Sisters and staff for their kind and compassionate care.

All services are private at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg.  Committal will be at New St. Mary Cemetery. www.sorgefuneralhome.com

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