Edna Baker Carnegie, of New Haven, departed this life, October 12, 2008 at her home at the age of 96.
Born in New Haven, CT, February 26, 1912 to the late Willoughby Alva and Rachel Huggins Baker, Edna Carnegie became an educator and a leader in her community and her church. She taught for twenty-five years in the New Haven schools, and was instrumental in the building of the new Winchester School.
She was a founding member of the Elm Haven Housing Project tenants’ council, past president of the Dixwell Senior Citizens Club, board member of the Connecticut Afro-American Historical Society, and Vice-President of the Churchwomen United, U.S.A.- New Haven. She also taught Sunday school for 70 years at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where she was a superintendent, a member of its Diocesan Board, and a licensed Layreader for the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. In 1948, she founded the Girls’ Friendly Society U.S.A.-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and remained its director.
Her memory is cherished by her son, Stanley Carnegie, Jr. of Virginia, her daughter, Joyce Carnegie Tivis, of Nevada, her grandchildren Christina Boxley and Robert Benjamin Tivis, great-grandchildren, sisters Eunice Royster of Bethany and Marion Green of North Haven, her brother Edward Baker of Delray Beach, Florida; nieces, nephews, relatives and New Haven friends and neighbors to whom she gave so much.
Edna was predeceased by her husband, Stanley Carnegie, Sr., and her siblings Joseph Baker, Percy Baker, Willoughby Jr. “Sugar” Baker, Helen Baker, Olive B. Moales, Cynthia B. Archie, C. Maxwell Baker., and Constance Baker Motley.
A celebration of Mrs. Carnegie's life and legacy and Requiem Mass will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 111 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. Burial will be in Hamden Plains Cemetery. Friends may call at the church Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, the Edna B. Carnegie Scholarship Fund, and the G.F.S., 111 Whalley Ave. New Haven, CT 06511.
