Sydney E. Baskerville, a retired housekeeper and a longtime Ashburton resident, died of a heart attack Monday at Sinai Hospital. She was 76.

Sydney Elizabeth Matthews was born and raised in Baltimore and earned her high school equivalency certificate from the city public school system.

After she married Curtis L. Baskerville, a carpenter, the couple settled in Northwest Baltimore, where she raised their seven children. Her husband died in 1973.

Mrs. Baskerville worked for more than 40 years as a housekeeper in private homes and later for Chambers, a Baltimore interior decorating firm. She retired in 1999.

"She was a devoted mother who instilled high moral standards, a passionate work ethic and a love for family in her children and grandchildren," said a daughter, Tracy Baskerville of Windsor Mill.

Mrs. Baskerville enjoyed decorating her home, shopping, reading and listening to sporting events on the radio. She also liked taking an annual vacation to Atlantic City, N.j.

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Epworth United Methodist Church, 3317 St. Lukes Lane, Randallstown.

Also surviving are two sons, Francis A. Baskerville of Severn and David Baskerville of Arlington, TexAS; three other daughters, Patricia Baskerville Walker and Amy Baskerville, both of Baltimore, and April Baskerville Grayson of Windsor Mill; two brothers, Garland Childs and Anthony Childs, both of Baltimore; 12 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Another daughter, Sandra A. Baskerville Payton, died in 1997.