LYNCHBURG—Dolores Martin Baker, 85, died April 24, 2008, in Lynchburg, after a recent period of declining health.

Mrs. Baker was born July 31, 1922 in Bluefields, Nicaragua, and came to the United States as a young woman, ultimately becoming a naturalized citizen and working in Washington, D.C. for the Pan American Union, later the Organization of American States.

In her work as a translator and editor for the OAS, she traveled extensively with conferences throughout Latin America and was honored to have met Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House.

In Washington, D.C., she was an active member of Epiphany Episcopal Church where she met Bruce A. Baker, whom she married in 1953.

Together they raised three children and she continued involvement in many civic and community organizations in the D.C. area.

In 1971, she moved with her family to Franklin, and later Courtland, and continued her involvement with the Episcopal Church, Boy and Girl Scouts and numerous other family pursuits.

As her children grew older she embarked upon a real estate career and subsequently obtained her broker’s license.

She was also very active in her local book and bridge clubs and took pleasure in endless yard work and beautiful gardens.

She had an enduring love of art, classical music and the ocean, and she continued to maintain an interest in Latin American and world events throughout her life.

She and her husband moved to the Lynchburg area in 2004 to be near family and the rolling landscapes and gardens of the Lynchburg area.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bruce A. Baker in 2006 and is survived by her sons, Paul M. Baker of Atlanta, Ga. and Philip B. Baker and wife Julia Owen Baker of Forest; her daughter, Patricia Baker Kegel and husband Mark S. Kegel of Concord, N.H.; grandchildren, Marsh and Marjorie Baker and Carolyn and Grant Kegel; her brother, Juan Aviles of San Jose, Costa Rica; her sister, Gay Laprade of San Jose, Costa Rica; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 314 N. Bridge St., Bedford, VA 24523.

A celebration of her

life will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Bedford with the Revs. Carol Cross and Kay Waff officiating.

Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday at the home of Philip and Julia Baker in Forest.

Arrangements are being handled by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443.

To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com