Ethel Mae Baird

Ethel Mae Baird of Jackson, CA, with family at her side, peacefully passed away into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 17, 2014 at the age of 83. She was born at Jamison Memorial Hospital in Newcastle, PA on December 11, 1930 to the late Jennings and Lillian (Randall) Potter. Ethel, the youngest of six children, was the only child of this union to be born in a hospital. Ethel is survived by her sons, Kevin L. Richardson of Pleasant Hill, CA, Gregg W. Richardson of Jackson, CA, Loren S. Richardson of Napa, CA; step-sons, Michael Baird of San Lorenzo, CA, Patrick Baird of Pittsburg, CA; sister, Lucille Schaefer of Alameda, CA; grandchildren, Alicia, Aaron, Shanonn, Jeremy, Daniel, Jesse, Lindsey, Dana, and Brandon; and many great-grandchildren. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Baird in 2002; and siblings, Gayle Farnsworth, Grace Dangerfield, Randall Potter, and Shirley Merrick. At the age of 11, the family moved to Youngstown, Ohio, and was a graduate of South High School. Upon graduating, she came by train to Oakland, California, to be with her sisters. She subsequently met Robert Arthur Richardson. The couple married in 1951, made their home in Lafayette, CA, and greater Contra Costa County, where they raised their boys. She worked as an Avon salesperson, administrative assistant at San Ramon High School, and a small business owner. In 1978 Ethel married Bill Baird. In 1982, Ethel and Bill made their home in Jackson where she became very active in the community. She worked as an account clerk at Amador Hospital in Jackson, CA for 6 years, volunteered at the Interfaith Food Bank, the associated thrift store, and as a board member for several years. Ethel enjoyed being a member of Grace Fellowship, the Claypipers theatre group, Red Hats Society, teaching ladies to read, water aerobics, traveling, and watching parades. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service Friday, August 29, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Grace Fellowship Church, 8040 South Highway 49 in Jackson, CA. Interment will be in the Tranquility Garden at Sunset View Cemetery in Jackson, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Interfaith Food Bank, 12181 Airport Road Jackson, CA 95642, or, Hospice of Amador and Calaveras, 1500 S. HWY 49 Suite 205, Jackson, CA 95642.