Ilion Florence S. Baker, 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 in the Seigenthaler Center, New Hartford, NY, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ilion on January 24th, 1921, daughter of the late George B. and Alma Edwards Shaw. Florence was united in marriage with Charles R. (Dick) Baker on September 26th, 1942 in Ilion, NY. They celebrated a loving and devoted 66 years of marriage until his passing on September 29, 2008. She was and forever will be 'his Bride'. Florence leaves behind her four children; daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and Werner Kleemann of W. Henrietta, son and daughter-in-law Terry and Judy Baker of Attleboro, MA, and daughters, Kathy Murphy of Ilion and Patricia Skinner of Cedarville. Her twelve beloved grandchildren; Amy (Kevin) Wilson, Kristen (John) LaBombard, Brian (Linda) Kleemann, Lyndi Baker, Jason Baker, Karen Romeo, Kim (Paul) Passionino, Katie Murphy (fiancé Gary Dellacerra), Krissy Murphy, Matt Skinner, Jackie (Matt) Nentarz, and Dan Skinner (Brooke Hecker). Her 19 cherished great-grandchildren; Ally and Robbie Wilson, Jenna, Alex, and Ryan LaBombard, Cole and Jack Kleemann; Elizabeth Marcos, Lauren and Lillianna Toxavidis, Paxton and Hudson Baker, Grace and Michael Romeo, Ava, David, and Kaden Passionino, and Natalie and Norah Nentarz. Florence was always accompanied by her faithful grand-pup Kloey. She also leaves behind several special nieces, nephews and friends. Florence was predeceased by sons-in-law Paul Skinner and David Murphy, brother Charles Shaw and brother and sister-in-law John (Pauline) Shaw. Florence attended Ilion Central Schools graduating in 1939. She then earned her RN degree from Nathan Littauer School of Nursing in Gloversville, NY. While Dick served in WWII, Florence put her degree to use by serving as a private duty nurse. At War's end, Florence and Dick returned to their home on Prospect Ave., Ilion where she was employed as an industrial nurse with Remington Rand. She then took time off to start a family. After raising her four children through their elementary years, Florence undertook the challenging task of completing her School Nurse teaching degree from Oneonta State. Upon completion, she began her employment with the Ilion School system. This was a job Florence truly loved until her retirement in 1976. Florence's greatest joys in life came from time spent with family. You only needed to enter her home to know how deeply she loved them. As the years passed and her family grew, her walls and table tops overflowed with her treasured family photos. Florence was her family's number one fan. She took great pride in attending her children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's many activities and games. She could always be found, front row on the sidelines, in her green lawn chair, wearing a visor, cheering the loudest and being the proudest. Florence was also a devoted fan of the NY Giants, Syracuse Orange, and the NY Yankees, watching them at every opportunity. At an early, age Florence developed a love of camping in the Adirondack Mountains which began at her parent's camp in White Lake. This enjoyment continued throughout her married life with her husband and their family; from tenting with four small children in the early years at Raquette Lake, to pulling a trailer to Moffitts Beach, to finally establishing a permanent spot at Bonnie Brae, Piseco Lake. Florence and her family shared many camping experiences from; sunny days at the beach, waterskiing, feeding the "chippies", picking blueberries for homemade pancakes and ending the night around the campfire. These camping traditions are forever etched in her family's hearts and continue to this day. Florence loved spending the winters with her husband in Myrtle Beach, SC. Although she dearly missed her family back home she looked forward to the spring break when they all would come to vacation. There are so many memories to share but among her favorites include; long walks on the beach gathering shells and sharks teeth, hours of swimming in the ocean and pool with her grandchildren, and shopping for bargains to send home to the kids. Florence's family continues to enjoy their spring breaks in Myrtle Beach. Through all her travels, Florence's favorite place was always home. It was here she could be found crocheting her kitchen towels, knitting hats and hair bobs, baking homemade banana bread and tending to her plants and garden. Her home on Prospect Ave. was truly the heart of her family and was a gathering place for all holidays and celebrations. Florence had an unconditional love for her family; she put them above all else. She lived a rich life most would be so lucky to have. The traditions and foundation of family will be celebrated and continued throughout the lives of her children and grandchildren. This will be Florence's greatest legacy. The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the entire staff at the Siegenthaler Center. Words cannot express our gratitude for the wonderful care, love and devotion shown to our mom during her time spent in Suite One. We would especially like to thank Michelle, Laurie, Justin and Georgia who cared for our mother as if she were family. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Siegenthaler Center 4277 Middle Settlement Road New Hartford, NY 13413. A memorial for Florence will be held on Tuesday July 11, 2017 at 2pm at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego St in Ilion. Rev. Jill Farnham will officiate, interment will follow in the Armory Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from noon until the time of the funeral. To send an online condolence please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com.