Vivian C.  Baker

Vivian C. Baker of Ithaca passed away at Bridges at Cornell Heights on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at the age of 90.

Vivian was born in Sherbrouke, Quebec on July 14, 1924, a daughter of the late Cecil and Florette (Jutras) Perry. After graduating from high school, she worked as a bank teller in Hamilton, Ont, before marrying David Kenneth Baker. Vivian spent her life as a homemaker, as well as becoming a master hostess for college functions related to her husband’s career as a college administrator. She traveled extensively in connection with her husband’s occupation, spending time abroad in Scotland, Spain, and Europe. Vivian kept close relations with all her relative’s families and with many nieces and nephews, maintaining contact with them despite moving all over the country. She was active athletically playing golf, tennis, and downhill skiing. Many summers were spent in Michigan, where she was a lifelong member of the Crystal Downs Country Club and Congregational Summer Assembly. Summers at the lake were often shared with her sister’s families and friends. After her husband’s retirement in 1988, winters were spent in North Carolina and Florida, while summers continued in Michigan with the company of her grandchildren and family.

Vivian is survived by a son, Rick (Kathy) Baker of Trumansburg; two grandsons, Jacob Baker of Ithaca and Nathan Baker of Trumansburg; and a step brother, Robert Hemsworth of Richmond, VA. In addition to her parents, Vivian was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, David Kenneth Baker in 2012; son, Paul Baker; grandson, Ian Baker; sisters, Beverly (Norm) Willis, and Lea (Robert) Winegard; step sister, Pat (Will) Martin; and a step brother, Richard (Pat) Hemsworth.

In keeping with Vivian’s wishes, services will be held privately.

The family asks those who would like to make a contribution in Vivian’s memory to kindly consider the Alzheimer’s Association, 441 West Kirkpatrick Road, Syracuse, NY 13204.