Obituary of Elizabeth M. Baker

Elizabeth M. Baker, age 95, passed away on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. Betty was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Survived by her son, Rev. Kenneth (Donna) Baker, and daughter, Faith (Darryl) Jones; Grandchildren, Dustin, Adam, Kelly and Ashley, as well as 4 great-grandchildren; and her cherished brother, Ashley (Ginny) Matthews; nephews and niece; dear friends. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Kenneth E. Baker, and parents, George and Ann Matthews.

Born in Boston, MA, and grew up in various locations throughout Massachusetts and Maine, Betty graduated from North High School, in Worcester, Mass. Betty and Ken met in High School and remained sweethearts throughout college. They married after she graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy as a Pharmacist, and Ken from Worcester Polytechnic Institute as a Chemical Engineer. They lived in several locations while Ken completed his service in the US Army. They later lived first in Western New York and then for 50 happy years in Katonah, NY. Following his death in 2016, Betty relocated to be near her daughter, Faith, in Webster, NY.

Betty worked as a pharmacist for 50 years, first in Massachusetts and then in New York and was known for her integrity and compassion.  They sought opportunities to share their blessings with others. They were “Fresh Air” parents to children from New York City for years. They sponsored several children from the Philippines (until each child reached 18 years). Both Betty and Ken had a deep and abiding love of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and devoted much of their time to work with their church’s (Jesse Lee Memorial UMC) teams in outreach projects/missions to assist those in need. They enjoyed various bible studies over the years and taught the ‘Disciple” studies for several years. In their retirement years they studied American History in a local community center and loved learning about the Constitution and influential American Leaders. They had a special love of their Jesse Lee church group, “The Older Than Dirt Gang” and meeting for Sunday breakfast at Dimitri’s Diner. Betty joined Webster Methodist Church and enjoyed the love and support of her new church family.

Ken was a purchasing agent for Union Carbide/Dow Chemical throughout his professional life. His work involved meeting and working with people around the world. Many visited Ken and Betty and were warmly welcomed into their home. Betty excelled at making them feel “at home”; many lasting friendships were formed. She especially loved learning about new cuisines and customs and was a wonderful cook and hostess.

Betty and Ken reveled in vacations with their children and grandchildren, and visiting relatives all the way from the East coast to the West coast. They enjoyed woodland hikes, botanical gardens, music of all kinds and the wonderful Yankees Baseball team. They had a special and deep friendship with Olavi and Ann (McCartney) and Leila Hirvonen, and Hilja Nast, and loved spending time at Lapland Lake in Benson, NY.

Betty will be remembered by so many that were touched by her love, compassion, kindness and welcoming smile.  She was a source of love, support and strength for all and will never be forgotten; she is deeply missed.

There will be Celebration of Life services in early May. In consideration of travel distances for family and friends there will be two services. The first will be May 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Webster Methodist Church (169 East Main St., Webster, NY 14580); followed by a service on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at Kane Funeral Home (25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield, CT 06877). Burial at South Salem Cemetery, South Salem, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to: Webster Methodist Church (169 E Main St. Webster, NY 14580), Caring Choices PHC (PO Box 24871, Rochester, NY 14624) or The Tunnels to Tower Foundation (2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306).