Ann E. Baird
Obituary
Ann Elizabeth Graham Baird 1928-2023
“And, He will raise you up on Eagle’s Wings
Bear You on the Breath of Dawn
Make You to Shine like the Sun
And, Hold You in the Palm of His Hand.”
With these words forever ingrained in her heart, our beautiful mother, Ann Elizabeth Graham Baird, was called home on September 10th 2023.
Ann was born in Newton, MA and spent her childhood in Needham, Newton, and Scituate, where she was a 1946 graduate of Scituate High School. She did post graduate at Walnut Hill School in Natick, as her high school was not accredited during WWII. Ann received her BA in 1951, from her beautiful Middlebury College, in Middlebury, VT
In June 1951, she married Cameron Muirhead Baird at Saint Mary of the Nativity Catholic church, in Scituate. Cameron Baird was owner and president of Baird and McGuire, Inc, a chemical specialties company.
Ann was predeceased by her parents James Edward Graham and Dorothy Helen Wood Graham Whittemore and her step-father Donald H. Whittemore of Scituate, MA. She was also predeceased by her beloved nephew, Glenn Brengel.
Ann is survived by her three daughters, Heather Lashier, her two sons Garrett Baird (Kate) and Colin Lashier (Alecia), Laurie J. Ducey (Roger), their two sons Eric Ducey (Lauren) and Gregg Ducey (Richelle), Cally Chamberlain (Stephen) and their daughter Lindsay Simpson (Craig) and their son Cameron Chamberlain (fiancée Kaylie).
Ann is survived by 9 great grandchildren, Maguire, Graham, Campbell, Garrett Whittemore (Whit), Marguerite Ann (Minnie), Madeline, James, Harper and Logan.
Ann is also survived by her sister Jane Graham Brengel (Richard) of Crofton, MD and their son Philip Brengel (Amber).
Ann participated in the Special Needs Learning program, the Adolescent Unit at Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Boston, MA. She was certified in Education, Educational Testing, and was a Reading specialist for special needs children. This program reached out to any and all children who were struggling to succeed in their individual educational pursuits. Ann was active in her profession for 27 years, both in Scituate and Hanover public schools, until her retirement. She strived to achieve this pursuit not only in public education but in relation to other areas as well.
Ann was instrumental in introducing and developing an educational “hands on” program for all 4th grade students in Scituate schools, introducing them to the Scituate Garden Club Wildflower Garden. This was in conjunction with her beloved Scituate Garden Club, where she participated and served as a Board member for many years. The project involved dedication and assistance from 100% of fellow members in the Garden Club. Ann also coordinated with principals and teachers in Scituate schools, by introducing current recycling techniques for all students in elementary schools.
Ann and Cameron loved to sail, and were active members of the Satuit Boat Club, Scituate, MA. They loved the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Boston Bruins, traveling especially to Scotland, and visiting with relatives and friends. After retirement, Ann volunteered on the Board of “The Friends of the Scituate Library,” the Cohasset Consignment Shop, and she loved knitting prayer shawls for cancer patients at Dana Farber, South Shore Hospital, and Mass General Hospital Boston.
Ann was happiest being with her adored husband and her family, traveling, giving family parties, enjoying her friends, sailing, walking the beach, and staying in touch with everyone.
“Ann was the embodiment of class, dignity, and love. Her style and joy for so much in this life, especially her church, made her a special role model for so many. She set the pace for all she was involved with, especially her teaching and the Scituate Garden Club. We will deeply miss our ‘Big Red,’ but take solace that she is once again in the arms of her dear Cameron.”
Ann’s life will be honored and celebrated with her beloved family. In lieu of flowers, you might consider a donation to Autumn Hospice at http://www.chafoundation.net/
