Deirdre L. Baker

Deirdre Lucreatia Baker, a native of Brattleboro, died unexpectedly Saturday night, November 25, 2023 in an accidental house fire at her home on Lexington Avenue. She was 61 years old.

Deirdre was born in Brattleboro on March 30, 1962, the daughter of Owen and Adrienne (Naeve) Baker. She attended local schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1980.

For a majority of her working career, Deirdre worked in the hospitality and restaurant business. For several years she owned and operated her own catering business in the Stratton area, managed the Tenderloins Restaurant at Stratton Country Club and more recently was employed at the Marina Restaurant in Brattleboro.

Previously and while studying in France, Deirdre worked for a fashion designer in Paris. Deirdre had a flair for Fashion and loved a bouquet of happy colors whether it was in her home or in her fashion style. If it was orange, pink or lime green, Deirdre Loved it. The colors truly matched her personality.

Of her pastimes and interests, she carried on the family tradition of Golf and was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club. Even though she was surrounded by a family of accomplished golfers, she became serious about the sport while working in Stratton.

Deirdre was a people person and enjoyed spending time with her family and her large host of friends. She was known for her spirit of friendship and generosity. Who can she help next?

Years ago, she faced a serious battle with cancer that included numerous surgeries and treatments. Deirdre is remembered for her courage, faith, and positive outlook when faced with her illness. Her concern though was always still focused on others in need and never herself.

Born and raised Catholic, she was a communicant of Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. Deirdre was married to Dennis Rawson in a beautiful mountainside ceremony in August of 1998 at the Chapel of the Snows in Stratton, Vermont.

She leaves one son, Lucas Rawson of Brattleboro, a brother, Shawn Baker (Kate) of Carmel, NY and her companion of 15 years, David Follensbee of Brattleboro who was by her side through the happy and the sad times. Deirdre would call Dot McKillop her “sister” as well as many life-long best friends like Jacqulyn “Jackie” Kenny (Terry) of Brookline, NH. Deirdre had a dear special friend, Gay Pfenning of Vernon who never missed a daily visit with Dee, never, even up until Saturday evening. Deirdre had many “sisters” and there are many, many more….

Additionally, she is survived by Aunt Serena, Uncle Brandon and Uncle Gavin. Deirdre also leaves behind her loving & fun cousins Jasmine, Jesse & Hunter.

A Memorial gathering and Celebration of Her Life will be held on Monday, December 11th at the Elk’s Home on Putney Road from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial contributions in her name be made to a Go-Fund-Me account that has been established for the benefit of her son Lucas who lost his home and all of the family’s possessions in the fire on November 25th.