Mary A. Baker, formerly of Farmington, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 23 after a brief illness at age 97. She is predeceased by her husband, Bob, and her children Ann, Patrick and James. She is survived by her daughter-in-laws, Linda Baker, Penny Clarke, and daughters, Jean (Tim) Acquilano and Kate Reuter, 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was born May 28, 1924 in Waterbury, CT to Martin and Catherine Shea McGough. As a young child, Mary always loved to sing. She served in the Navy as a WAVE (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service) in World War II where she met her husband, Bob, and they later married in 1945. Mary, along with her husband Bob, adopted five children in an era when adoption was looked down upon and did so with great dedication and love. Mary was an avid reader, always with a new novel in-hand, a gift she bestowed upon her children and grandchildren. Mary was a woman of the highways and byways of our vast country; always on long road trips with her five children and in her later years with her friends. She had a strong sense of adventure that gave her confidence to accomplish much in her long, healthy life.

She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church in Victor, NY for over 4 decades, and served in their adult choir. Mary worked at Pittsford Schools for many years and was beloved by all, so much so that the school yearbook was dedicated to her by the student body twice in her tenure. She was an Associate for the School of Sisters of Notre Dame since 1999, where she was very active in their annual craft sale. Mary was a gifted master quilter and spent countless hours sewing masterpieces of all shapes and sizes to support the ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame. She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend to all.

The family wishes to recognize Sunset House in Irondequoit for the extraordinary care Mary received during the last four weeks of her life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sunset House at 3746 St. Paul Blvd​​ Rochester, NY 14617.

Calling hours will be held Sunday February 27th 4-6 p.m. at Jarmusz Cotton Funeral Home (26 Maple Ave. Victor, NY). Mary’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday February 28th 11a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church (115 Maple Ave. Victor, NY). Interment St. Patrick’s Cemetery.