Rita R. Church-Baker

RITA REGINA CHURCH-BAKER was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 2, 1936 to the late James William Keene and the late Mary Elizabeth Coleman. Rita, affectionately known as "Duzzie," departed this life on February 21, 2009.Rita received her education in the Baltimore Catholic School System. She attended the historic St. Francis Academy. She has been a life-long member of historic St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the oldest black Catholic church in the United States.At the age of 16, Rita married the late Andrew Martin Church, Sr., and from that union came seven children: Ann, Cecilia, Celestine, Andrew, Jr., Martin Rita Xavier. She later married the late Robert Carmenia Baker, Sr. From that union came two children: Stephen and Robin and three step-sons: Robert, Sr., Charles and Ronald.Rita worked as a claims clerk for the Social Security Administration for 23 years where she received numerous merit awards and certificates of service. She retired from the Social Security Administration in 1994.Rita was a long-standing community activist and leader. She loved her community and her community loved her. She was a member of the Coldstream-Homestead Montebello Community Organization where she served as a member of the board for many years and worked diligently to improve the quality of life for all in the community. She was sometimes called "Mayor of Coldstream-Homestead Montebello." Rita also was member and officer of the Quality of Life Community Outreach Program and treasurer of Adopt-A-House Corporation.Rita served as a member of the Maryland State Central Committee. In 1996 Rita was appointed to the Baltimore City Council, representing the Third Councilmatic District until she retired in 1999. She also served as a member of the Baltimore City Planning Commission for four years. Rita received numerous community service awards and certificates.Rita is survived by: her children, Ann, Cecilia, Celestine, Martin, Rita, Xavier, Stephen, Robin, Robert, Charles and Ronald; her daughter-in-law, Tomeka; her sons-in-law, Jonathan, Michael and Tracy; thirty-four grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Ann Burley and Constance Roberts; her brother-in-law, Mr. Charles Church; her sisters-in-law, Lena Baker, Katherine Baker, Florence Baker and Melandis Baker; three aunts, Pearl Stell, Hilda Miller and Hattie Geater; a devoted friend, Jeanette Hodgers; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and her cat, Ms. Dirty-Dirty.

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Rita R. Church-Baker

February 2, 1936 - February 21, 2009