Joan Mae Lauterbach Baker

Joan Mae Lauterbach Baker, age 78, of Erie graduated to the choirs of Heaven and the Church Triumphant on Good Friday, April 10, 2009, following a brief illness. She was born in Erie on May 23, 1930, daughter of the late Oscar R. and Edna Boyd Lauterbach.

Joan was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School and Gannon University. She was a substitute teacher in the Erie, Millcreek and Girard School Districts. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant where she was a Life-Deacon, a Chorister for over 50 years, served as an Elder and taught Sunday School classes for both children and adults. Joan had also been Editor of the Music Department Newsletter for a number of years and had written new words for old tunes frequently at the request of the Current Minister of Music.

She served as President and Newsletter editor of Parents Without Partners when there was an Erie Chapter. An accomplished author, two of her poems were accepted for publication and she leaves a near-complete novel-in-progress. Joan was a member of the Erie Guild of Craftsmen and a volunteer Usher for the Erie Philharmonic for a number of years. She was a survivor of the Polio Epidemic of 1936 and of Cancer in 1998. Her other interests included herb and vegetable gardening, nature watch and a variety of crafts.

Survivors include her son, Robert Boyd Baker; a sister, Joyce L. Kissman (Richard "Pete") of Lady Lake, FL; a nephew, Rick Kissman and a niece, Karen K. Haney (Les) all of Lexington, KY; a grand-nephew, Matthew; a grand-niece, Erin Haney; and several cousins.

Friends may call at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th Street on Thursday from 2 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service there at 5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family, in care of the Funeral Home. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., West, 536 West 10th St.

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