Bernice May (Baker) Skinner

Bernice May (Baker) Skinner passed away on January 11, 2023, at the age of 97 after a period of declining health. She was born on February 12, 1925, in Dorchester, Mass. Bernice was predeceased by her parents Elvin J. Baker and Marguerite S. (Pearson) Baker, her eldest brother James A. Baker and his wife Madeleine. Bernice is survived by her two sons, Wayne (Karen) and Steven, her brother John P. Baker (Nedra), in-laws Russell (Shirley) and Carol Skinner, 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernice grew up in Easton and was a 1943 graduate of Oliver Ames High School. Upon graduation from The Comptometer School of Boston she was employed as a Comptometer Operator with American Optical Company in Boston. She later moved to Brockton where she resided for over 60 years. After raising her family she became a bookkeeper for Bradlees Corporate Offices in Braintree.

Bernice was a communicant of St Mark’s Episcopal Church in North Easton. She was a member of the Easton Grange for more than 80 years and was a past master. She was also a member of the Norfolk Pomona, and the Massachusetts State and National Granges. Bernice was a soloist in her church and participated in musical productions in the Grange. She performed with her mother, brothers  and fellow Grange members and friends in a weekly Grange Music Program on WBET in Brockton from the early 1940s to early 1950s. For many years she was active with her family in the South Shore Antique Auto Club and was a member of the Easton Historical Society. 

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 20th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm including a Grange Memorial Service at 6:00pm followed by a funeral service on Saturday, January 21st at 10:00am at the Southeast Funeral Home, 93 Center St. Easton, Mass. Interment will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Hopkington, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to the “Massachusetts State Grange/Educational Aid Fund”. On the memo line please write “in memory of Bernice Skinner, Easton Grange”. Mail to Secretary Nancy Blackmer, 77 Burrill Ave, Orange, Mass. 01364.

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