Passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Health Centre, Guelph, on June 13, 2022. She was 90 years old. Dea grew up during the Great Depression and Second World War in the small town of Belper, Derbyshire, in England, where as a teenager and young adult she excelled in music, playing violin in the local symphony orchestra and singing in her church choir. In 1955 she married Michael Baker-Pearce (d.2006), and the couple immigrated to Canada within a few days. Their only child, Kevin Francis, was born in 1962 when they were living in west-end Toronto. In 1972, the family settled in West Luther Township (now Wellington North), renovating a former manse in the hamlet of Damascus. Soon after, Dea got the position of township treasurer (1974-85) and then clerk-treasurer (1985-1997). Retirement brought her favourite activity — walking — as well as time to read and do jigsaw and crossword puzzles, which she enjoyed immensely. The couple downsized to a small house in south Fergus in 2002. She moved into longterm care at St. Joseph Health Centre in June 2018. She is predeceased by her parents, husband Michael, and sisters Monica and Audrey. Special thanks to the wonderful 3-East staff at St. Joseph Health Centre, Guelph, who made Dea’s last years peaceful and comfortable with their excellent, caring and compassionate care. Cremation has already taken place. A small, private service will follow.
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