Brenda Gael Baker

Brenda Gael (Broughel) Baker, 72, of Old Lyme, beloved wife of Sheldon A. Baker, died Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at Hartford Hospital. Brenda was born in Hartford on January 23, 1944, the daughter of James Driscoll and Eleanor (Clancy) Broughel. She graduated with a B.A. degree (Education) from Boston University, and earned a M.S. degree (Art Education) from Central Connecticut State College. She worked for many years as a teacher in the Hartford school system. Brenda is survived by her husband and soul mate Sheldon, whom she married in October, 1979; by her brother David Broughel of Newton, Massachusetts; her sisters Tara Krause of Glastonbury, Barbara Broughel of Westport and Andrea Broughel of Alexandria, Virginia; by her beloved nieces and nephews; and by many close friends.

At an early age Brenda developed a true passion for the arts and, as an accomplished painter over the past thirty-five years, she produced numerous watercolors and oils, many of which were the subject of art shows and gallery displays throughout southern New England. Her work has been exhibited at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, the West Hartford Art League, the Mystic Art Association and the Lyme Art Association. She had been recently elected to the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences. Brenda’s art concentrated on the interplay of color with pattern. She believed that art should enhance the natural, and reflect rhythms and forms we see every day. The joy of color, especially in flowers, shore scapes and textiles, were her special subjects.

Brenda also devoted her considerable talents and energy to other crafts including the creative restoration of antiques and flower arrangements. She was an accomplished amateur chef who frequently provided culinary support to events sponsored by a number of prominent local musical and theater organizations including Con Brio Choral Society, with which Sheldon has been actively involved. Brenda and Sheldon were extensive world travelers and, for many years, looked after a family property in County Clare, Ireland.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 22, at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Road, Old Lyme. Calling hours will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday evening, October 21, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme. A private service accompanying interment will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Fair Haven, Vermont, at a later date. Please visit www.fultontherouxlyme.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in the memory of Brenda Baker to Con Brio Choral Society (www.conbrio.org) … [ADD OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?]