Rose Marie Baker

Rose Marie Misuraco Baker
October 11, 1920 - August 30, 2013
Independence - Rose Marie Baker, 92, of Independence passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2013 due to complications of heart failure.
Rose, known to her friends as Rosie, was born in Hurley Wisconsin, the daughter of Vincent and Josephine Misuraco . She attended Lincoln Grade School and St Marys and then three years at St Joseph's School of Nursing in Ashland, WI. She was the eleventh child of 17 children.
During the summer of 1942 she met Robert "Bob" Baker and it was not long before the two were united in marriage. He was sent to Camp Adair (Army) in Oregon and they lived in Monmouth, Or where Bob had a thriving plumbing business.
After Bob passed away in 1988, Rose moved to Independence and spent winters in Yuma, Arizona...
Rose was the first female letter carrier in the State of Oregon and no one could miss her in her official uniform, hat, white gloves, and umbrella when she delivered the mail from 1966 to 1970 when she was reassigned to clerk craft due to skin allergy from the sun. She then retired in early 1980's.
Rose faithfully cared for her family and friends through delicious cooking and baking. A woman of faith and with a real zest for life, Rosie loved to dance, read, pray, and play cards, especially with her friends at Monmouth Senior Center. She enjoyed traveling and was especially excited about her vacation to Italy and recently to New York City.
Filled with compassion and interest in others, Rosie made friends easily and possessed a contagious smile, an entertaining sense of humor and a laugh that that is unforgettable! Throughout her life she maintained a sweet, yet sassy demeanor that won the hearts of many. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.
Rosie is survived by her children and spouses; Bob Baker (Marsha) of Independence, Mike Baker (Tami) of Monmouth, John Baker of Thailand and daughter, Mary Jo Afonin (Paul) of Salem, Or., 20 loving grandchildren and several grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she preceded in death by her oldest daughter Bonnie, son Donald and three great grandchildren.
She is survived by her sisters, Helen Kasper, Mary Wiita, Jeana Jancieski and brother Sam Misuraco.
Memorial services will be held Saturday at St Patricks Catholic Church, 1275 E Street Independence, OR. Rosary at 10 AM Funeral Mass at 10:30am. Refreshments will be served following her memorial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Patrick Church, Independence.