Jean passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on Sunday, January 27, 2019, at Putnam Ridge in Brewster, NY surrounded by beloved family at the age of 83.
Jean was born September 11, 1935, to Sylvan and Addie Beasimer in Hopewell Junction, NY in “the house on the hill”. She was the 13th child of 13 children.Jean married her love, Henry Baker, September 12, 1953, in Hopewell Junction at The Church of the Resurrection.
Jean is survived by her husband of 65 years, Henry, their son Henry Augustus Baker and partner Meghann Rivera, son Robert Baker and partner Susan Williams, and daughter Addie Ketchum and husband Joseph Ketchum. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild: Stephen Baker and wife Sarah of New Hampshire, Jessica Martin and husband Jake of Kentucky, Emily Ketchum, Hannah Ketchum, and Bennett Ketchum all of New York, and 1 great-grandchild Niklaus Martin. In addition, Jean is survived by one beloved sister Barbara VanVoorhis and beloved sister-in-law Elizabeth Baker and her wife Arden Tucker as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her best friend from childhood, Shirley McCaffery and family friend John Martin.
Jean is predeceased by parents Sylvan and Addie Beasimer, Grandmother Mary Louisa VanTassell, and 7 brothers and 4 sisters: Sylvan Eugene Beasimer, Elinor Scism and husband William, Lewis Beasimer and wife Mildred, Addie Goebel and husband Nathaniel, Juanita Cookingham and husband Frederick, Mary Kirby and husband Buddy, Wallace Beasimer, Raymond Beasimer and wife Francis, Charles Beasimer, Horace Beasimer and wife Anne, and Russell Beasimer.
Jean worked in a cigar factory in Poughkeepsie, NY for 4 years and in retail for 19 years. She will be remembered for her cooking and nurturing nature. Jean won Best in Show in Culinary in the Dutchess County Fair for her Angel Food cake. Family and friends all fondly remember her famous baked beans and potato salad. When she wasn’t working outside of the home, she was happily raising her children, teaching Sunday school, or running a youth group at The Church of the Resurrection. Family and friends knew they could call on Jean whenever needed: she was always willing to help in any way she could.
Visitation will be held at Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main St., Pawling, NY on Saturday, February 2, 2019, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with graveside service at 3:30 pm in Hopewell Rural Cemetery; casual dress, please.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the March of Dimes, P.O. Box 18819, Atlanta, GA 31126 or online at http://MarchofDimes.org
