Carolyn Edith Baker

Edi Baker loved a good visit, whether it was to a faraway continent or with the patient at the next therapy table.

Carolyn Edith Baker, age 94, a longtime resident of Groton, passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 18, 2026. She leaves her beloved husband of 71 years, Richmond Baker.

Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on August 17, 1931, Edi was the daughter of the late John E. and Carolyn W. (Newhall) Pridham.

A student at Girls Latin School and Sargent College, both in Boston, Edi graduated to begin a more than five-decade career as a physical therapist, culminating in earning the title of department head at Clinton Hospital.

A chance meeting brought Edi and Rich together, and ultimately to Lawrence Academy, where the couple settled into campus life for 50 years.

They traveled to all seven continents, including Antarctica, when Edi and Rich were in their 80s. Africa was a favorite trip, with excursions to see the various animals, including a walk with the lions; a favorite DVD of their walk would be on repeat when friends were around. One of those trips to rugged Alaska led to the family's love of Alaskan Malamutes, and the addition of Kuna, Bear, Ali, Kodi, and Kimu over the years.

They traveled closer to home as well, with summer and fall trips to their classic New England log cabin on Lake Winnipesaukee in Moultonborough, N.H. Boating was a favorite activity, as was competing for the last piece of the latest jigsaw puzzle.

Edi is survived by the couple's daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Richard Gray, and grandson Nathaniel Gray, nephew John Pridham and his wife Jill, niece Adrienne Pridham and nephew Jason Pridham and his wife Jessica, and many great-nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brothers and their wives, John and Helen Pridham, and Robert and Roberta Pridham, and niece Helen (Pridham) Carter and her husband, Harold.

No service is planned at this time.

Edi and Rich have been long-time volunteers at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Devens. The family requests that donations in Edi's memory be made to the organization at

P.O. Box 1, Ayer, MA 01432

or

https://loavesfishespantry.org/donate-now/

The family appreciates the professional care and support of the staff at RiverCourt Residences, Ascend Hospice Care, and Truly Cherished Home Care.

Arrangements under the care of the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School St., Groton, MA. 978-486-3709, www.badgerfuneral.com.