Mary Elizabeth Baker “Betty”

Age 85, of St. David’s, Pennsylvania, died peacefully on January 9, 2010 after a brief illness.  Born on July 13, 1924, she was the second child of John and Mary MacNamara Wigsten of Elmira.  Betty graduated from Southside High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the Cornell University School of Nursing in 1947.  Following her graduation, she worked as a nurse at New York Hospital in New York City.  On September 9, 1950 she married Joseph W. Baker of Elmira, and together they raised six children.  In addition, Betty worked as a school nurse in the Elmira school system, as well as for St. Patrick’s Elementary. Betty also later taught English at EFA after earning her teaching certificate from Cortland University. She was actively involved with several charitable organizations, and was a long time member of the “25 Club” of the Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa.

    Betty was devoted to God and to praying for the needs of family, friends, and even strangers.  She spent many hours praying for those on her lengthy prayer list and was a devout member of the Catholic Church.  In St. David’s, she and Joe attended the 6:30 am mass at St. Katherine of Siena each day until her illness. In retirement, they traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia.  She loved her family, especially her sixteen grandchildren.  She looked forward to their visits with great anticipation, especially when they took place at her beloved Keuka Lake.

      Betty is survived by Joe, her husband of fifty-nine years; by her daughter, Mary Baker of Houston, Texas; her son, Joseph Baker Jr. and wife Dianne of Longwood, Florida; her son, Dr. David Baker and wife Lisa of York, Pennsylvania; her daughter, Anne Miller and husband Frank of Wading River, New York; her son, Dr. Mark Baker and wife Lisa of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania; and her son, John Baker and wife Mary of Fogelsville, Pennsylvania.  She is also survived by her sixteen grandchildren; her sister, Margaret Perkins; her brother, David Wigsten and wife Patricia; and her sister Kate Hughes and husband Henry; and her sister-in-law, Josie Wigsten.  She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Paul Wigsten, and her brother, John Wigsten.  Pallbearers are Joseph Baker Jr, David Baker, Mark Baker, John Baker, Frank Miller and John H. Hughes.

Visitation hours are 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on January 14, 2010 at McInerny Funeral Home on Water Street in Elmira.  A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church in Elmira at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Betty would be honored by a contribution to Keuka Comfort Care Home, 35 Route 54, East Lake Road, Penn Yan, New York 14527.

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