Mary Elizabeth Baker

It is with sadness, but also profound gratitude for a life well lived, that the family of Mary Elizabeth Baker announces her passing on November 3, 2026, at the remarkable age of 101. Mary lived an extraordinary life filled with love, family, and adventure, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy that will endure for generations.

Born in Malone, New York, on September 8, 1925, Mary was the eldest daughter of Carl and Elizabeth Ornstedt. She grew up alongside her sisters, Johanna (Hughes) and Patricia (Lampson), and twin brothers who passed away in infancy. Raised during the Great Depression, Mary developed a strong work ethic, a resourceful spirit, and an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

Mary graduated with honors from Franklin Academy in 1948 and earned a scholarship to the Malone Business School. Her career included positions at the Wawbeek Resort on Upper Saranac Lake, Cornell University, Kelly’s Caladium Farm, and Lake Placid Groves in Florida.

While working at the Wawbeek, Mary met and fell in love with John “Jack” Baker and his young daughter, Jill. Married on December 11, 1948, Mary and Jack built a life centered on family, hard work, and shared adventure. Mary supported Jack as he pursued his education at Cornell University and the University of Massachusetts. Together, they raised six children: Jill, John, Betty, Kathy, Tim, and George.

Family was always Mary’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. She delighted in the lives and successes of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. An enthusiastic traveler, Mary explored much of the world, with her final adventure taking her to Bermuda with her daughter Kathy at age 98. She also loved driving convertibles, collecting treasures, solving crossword puzzles, cheering for her beloved Florida Gators, and sharing chocolate with those she loved.

Throughout her life, Mary called Malone, Lake Placid, Florida, and her beloved camp in Mountain View home. She also enjoyed time with her son Goerge on Lower Chateaugay Lake. In her later years, she resided at the Farrar Home and the Alice Center in Malone, continuing to live the with grace, humility, and quiet strength that defined her remarkable life.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Jack; her children, Betty and George; her sisters, Patricia Lampson and Johanna Hughes; her grandson, Bryce Baker; and her twin brothers.

She is survived by Lee “Jill” West of St. Petersburg, Florida; John (Karen) Baker of Jupiter, Florida; David Simmons of Lake Placid, Florida; Kathy (Neil) Seymour of Malone, New York; and Tim (Maggie) Baker of New Orleans, Louisiana. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, many nephews, a niece, and an extended family who will forever cherish her memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 10 at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, Malone with a celebration of life immediately following. Mary will be laid to rest alongside Jack at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lake Placid, Florida on November 16, 2026 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Farrar Home in Malone.

Arrangements are entrusted to St. Mary-Murphy-Wilcox Funeral Home in Malone. Online condolences may be offered at www.chateaugayfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home 4001 Sebring Parkway Sebring, FL 33870 Online condolences may be left at: www.stephensonnelsonfh.com