Sarah R. Baggesen

GUILDERLAND – Sarah Veronica McDowell Dolan Ridge Baggesen was blessed with a peaceful passing on Sunday, November 1, 2009.  She was born in New York City but moved to Albany in 1950.  Even now, however, she always considered herself a “New Yorker.”  She worked in the offices of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company until their closing in the Albany area.  She then started working at the Teresian House where she was in charge of the residents’ private funds.  When she retired at 80 years of age she continued to faithfully volunteer in the Country Store at the Teresian House until a broken hip slowed her down.  Everyone always enjoyed visiting with someone with a great gift of gab and Irish wit.

            Sarah took great joy in every day and will be missed for her positive attitude toward life and people.  She could always find something good to see in anyone.  A ride in the car to see the sights was always a special treat for her.  Earlier in life she enjoyed her many trips to Florida, Maine, Cape Cod and Rhode Island with her Bridge Club and other wonderful friends.  She especially enjoyed a trip to visit relatives in Great Britain and Ireland.  In recent years she has looked forward to vacations on Long Beach Island, New Jersey and Sandy Point, Maine.

            She was predeceased in her passing by her son Patrick Ridge, first husband Thomas F. Ridge, her second husband Christian E. Baggesen, her sister Mae McClutchy and brother James McDowell.  She was also predeceased by her Aunt Mamie and Aunt Bridgie who raised her.  She is survived by her daughter Maureen Ridge, a sister in law Patricia Courtney and many nieces and nephews.  She will be greatly missed by her loving companion, Beau, who was never far from her side.

            A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday morning at 10:00 in Christ the King Church, Sumter Ave., Guilderland.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the church from 9-10 a.m. Thursday.  Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, New York.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, or view or print a prayer card, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

View / Print Prayer Card