Mary Jo Baker, 90, of Bedford, NH passed away on Wednesday, August 28 ^th . She was born in Shawnee, OK, the daughter of Vernon and Agnes Lake. Mary Jo married William J. Baker on July 17 ^th , 1948.  They lived in Tulsa, OK before moving to New Hampshire in 1968.

A long-time Merrimack resident, Mary Jo co-owned and operated the Country Gourmet restaurant for more than twenty years. After retiring, she enjoyed being a certified Master Gardener Volunteer, teaching English to adult ESL students, watching movies, traveling, fine dining, and especially hosting neighborhood volleyball games.

She went by Jo in her adult life and was known for her dry wit and deep laugh. When people remarked on her unusual name, she was known to respond, "Haven't you ever read Little Women ?"

Jo had a keen sense of style, an affinity for classical music, and was a staunch supporter of the arts. No challenge was too daunting for her, from starting a fine dining restaurant in her early 50's to traveling to China in her 70's.

Mary Jo will be missed by her children Daniel Baker and his wife Meleta of North Berwick, ME; Kevin Baker of Downsville, NY; Steven Baker and his wife Mandy of Sebring, FL; Matthew Baker of New Boston, NH; grandchildren Emily Baker and her husband Tom Dunn of Brooklyn, NY; and Alex Baker and his wife Julia of Littleton, MA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour on Saturday, September 7 ^th from 11 AM – 12 PM at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway in Merrimack. A Memorial Service will take place immediately following calling hour at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel, with burial to follow at Last Rest Cemetery in Merrimack.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary Jo's honor may be made to the Currier Museum, 150 Ash St. Manchester, NH 03104 or FINCA International.