Marlborough – Denise Marie Baker, 59, of Marlborough, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Denise was born in Boston, MA, to the late John J. And Bernardine B. (Crowley) Baker, the fourth of seven children. She graduated from Framingham State College and worked for many years in the mortgage and insurance industries.
Denise loved hosting family gatherings, the beaches of the North Shore, traveling, and her dogs, Frodo and Benny. She was passionate about politics and supported many social justice causes. A film buff who never missed an episode of her Bravo reality shows, she was whip-smart and loved playing board games with her family.
In the history of aunts, Denise was one of the greats. She was the aunt who would drive an hour to sit through your dance or piano recital and who would take you to a car dealership to help you pick out your first car. She created memorable experiences for her nieces and nephews, like taking them to Broadway plays and Red Sox games, and never missed a birthday or graduation.
Her warmth, kindness, generous spirit, and quick laugh will be sincerely missed by all those who were lucky enough to know her. Denise also possessed an unwavering positive attitude, even after receiving a rare brain tumor diagnosis two years ago. She faced her cancer as she did everything in life – with humor, grace, and a resiliency that inspired everyone around her. She was lovingly cared for through her illness by her sister, Deborah A. Baker of Marlborough, with whom she went on a lifetime of adventures around the world before her diagnosis. Together, they were the center of their large family.
In addition to Deborah, Denise leaves two sisters, Catherine Baker of Marlborough and Dina Mehaffey of Holden, and two brothers, Paul M. Baker of NH and John L. Baker of Marlborough. She is also survived by her devoted nieces and nephews, including Jason, Anthony, Pamela, Sonia, Elizabeth, and Amanda, a great-niece, Madison, and two great-nephews, Dominic and Wyatt. Denise was predeceased by her sister, Diane M. Cavicchio, earlier this spring.
While those closest to her are struggling to imagine a world devoid of her radiant spirit, we take a small measure of comfort in knowing that she is spared from living through another Trump candidacy.
Visiting hours are on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 4-6 pm, followed by a funeral service at 6 pm in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA.
A private burial will be held at a later date.
