Eva Beatrice Dade Baker, 95, of Chaptico, MD, passed away on October 12, 2013, 6:40 p.m. at the Hospice House of St. Mary's. Born September 9, 1918 in Budds Creek, MD she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Nettie Herbert Dade.

Eva was the wife of the late James Melvin Baker, Sr., whom preceded her in death on June 23, 1980. Her beloved son, James Melvin "June" Baker, Jr., also preceded her in death on July 8, 2003. In addition to her parents, husband and son, Eva was preceded in death by her siblings, James, Joe, Arthur, Clayton, John, Eddie, Florine, Mary, Mable and Kate.

She was an active member of Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church. Even during her illness she remained a God fearing woman, who called on the "Blessed Lord" daily.

Eva worked as a Domestic Engineer for the Reeves and Tenneyson families. She was very fond of these families as they were of her.

You could always find her sitting at the kitchen table looking out of the window watching the cars go by. She was an excellent cook, no one left her house hungry. At any time one could come to her home and food and cakes would be on the table, her table was always set for a meal. Before her illness, she always enjoyed canning vegetables, baking cakes and homemade rolls. Her trademarks were her fried chicken, turkey stuffing and gravy, 7-up cake, 7-minute icing and her famous white potato pie. Her favorite food was sweet potatoes, which she ate daily.

Eva lived a quiet life but enjoyed it to the fullest. She found great pleasure playing cards, reading, joking around and watching the baseball games at White Pine. She had a flair for style; she was always dressed impeccably when attending social functions. She kept an immaculate home. However, her greatest pride and joy was her family. Eva loved having her children and grandkids come home for the holidays. She would start cooking at the beginning of the week for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving.

She is survived by her loving children Carol Ann (George) Minor of Culpeper, VA, Loris (James) Somerville of Chaptico, Leonard "Pat" (Deborah) Baker of Mechanicsville, George "Chubby" H. Stewart, Jr., of Chaptico; grandson Dwayne "Dink" (Arlene) Somerville of Chaptico, who resided with her after the death of her husband and was her honorary son; two sisters, Dorothy Baker of Waldorf and Viola Dade of La Plata.

Each of her children held a special place in her heart and each played a vital role with caring for her. Her daughter, Carol Ann, unselfishly came up on the weekends to ensure comfort and care for her. Loris would provide transportation to and from the doctors and made sure that her medications were kept abreast. Pat warmly cared for her after her husband passed; often cooked alongside her until she was no longer able to cook for herself, then he provided most of her meals, and also affectionately referred to her as "Old Girl", that always put a smile on her face. Chubby willingly sacrificed his time to maintain her safety and comfort. She shared an unconditional bond with her daughter-in-law, Deborah, which allowed her the dignity and care that she deserved in her final days, Deborah kindly referred to her as "Miss America".

She catered to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, at any time she was at their beckon call. She leaves 12 grandchildren to mourn her death Tracy, Dink, Crystal, Dennis (Sharon), Shannon, Portia, David, Reggie, Shannell, Summer Joi, Kerska and Evita and 15 great-grandchildren. Her loyal granddaughter and sidekick Portia, was her caretaker from the beginning to the end. Her devoted grandsons, Dink and Dennis, always made her laugh and kept her lawn manicured.

Additional survivors include two brothers-in-law, Joseph T. "Buck" and David Baker; four sisters-in-law, Lorraine, Pauline and Louise Baker and Mary Young; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and faithful friends, Anna King, Steve, Brad and Donna Reeves.

Family and friends will unite on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 from 8:30 am until 10:00 am at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, 38576 Brett Way, Mechanicsville, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Wayside Church, Chaptico, MD. Interment at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown.

Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, Mechanicsville, MD.