Obituary: Laura Ann (McCollum) Baker, 88, of Stony Creek

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

Laura Ann (McCollum) Baker, age 88, of Stony Creek, CT passed away peacefully on Friday, June 23rd at her home. She was born in Watsontown, PA on October 5, 1934 to the late Geraldine (Whitmoyer) and Russell McCollum. She is survived by her son Greg and wife Christie, son David and wife Mindy, two cherished granddaughters Sydney and Paige Baker, sister Nancy Mingle, sister-in-law Joan Smith (Ron), and several nieces, nephews and cousins who were very special to her. Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years David Marvin Baker, brother Russell McCollum, brother-in-law Wayne Mingle Sr., and nephew Timothy S. Mingle.

Ann grew up on a farm in Turbotville, PA. After graduating from high school, she worked at a local bank until taking the big step of moving to Philadelphia where she went on to break the glass ceiling in banking. It was here she met the love of her life, David Marvin Baker. The two were married three months after they met in 1965 and remained happily married until David's passing in 2014. In 1970, when David Charles was a toddler and Ann was pregnant with Greg, they moved to California. Upon returning to Branford in 1980, Ann worked in retail as a manager of Horwitz Department Store, Tablesetters and The House of Butler. She also worked as an independent beauty consultant for Avon and Mary Kay cosmetics. Both she and David were actively involved in the Branford Democratic Town Committee. In 2003, they moved to David's childhood home in Stony Creek which was lovingly restored by David Sr. and Greg. Many cherished memories were made here with the Baker, Mingle and Smith families.

In recent years, Ann loved watching UConn women's basketball with her neighbor Nancy Hennessey and grand niece Jackie Mingle with whom she shared a very special friendship. She was grateful for the friendships made with the Stony Creek “Ladies of the Morning” group. Ann was so proud of her granddaughters and the support she and her late husband were able to provide toward the girls’ higher education.

Calling hours will be held at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 p.m. Contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT 06405. Burial in Stony Creek Cemetery will be held privately at the convenience of the family. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit: www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com