Stella Baker

stella baker

September 16, 1932 ~ September 20, 2021

Born in: New York, NY
Resided in: Smithtown, NY

Stella’s Wake Service will be livestreamed on Friday during the Visitation hours. Please follow the link below.

 

Stella Baker – 1932 – 2021

A resident of Smithtown for 60 years, born, raised and educated in New York City, Stella was a “city girl” with tireless devotion and dedication to her family, church, friends and community. Stella had a zest for life and learning, she loved the arts, music, dancing, cultural events and people.

Stella graduated from Walton High School and then Hunter College with a major in Mathematics. pledging to the Delta Zeta Sorority and was a sorority sister for over 65 years. After graduation in 1952, Stella began working for Terry Berry, an insurance company and in 1959 she married William Baker.

Stella and Bill moved to Smithtown in 1961 with their new born son and soon to follow two daughters. Stella embraced her new family. church, town and community with the same zest and drive she had for life. While raising her children, running the household and supporting her husband’s career she joined the League of Women voters of Smithtown, volunteered for the Suffolk County Board of Elections, became a Girl Scout Leader/Co-Leader, taught religious education through St. Patrick’s Church, became a foreign exchange student hostess, and many other school and social projects.

In 1978 Stella re-entered the workforce and found a position with the Huntington Townhouse catering hall. There she also developed close bonds with the people at the workplace.

After the loss of her beloved husband Bill in 1987, Stella surrounded herself with renewed family gatherings, friends, church groups and volunteer opportunities. She joined the Smithtown Historical Society as a member/volunteer, the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference member/volunteer, The Long Island Traditional Musical Association, the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center, the Long Island Museums at Stony Brook and the Smithtown Garden Club where she held the office of Treasurer.

In her later years, Stella continued with her interests but moved on from homeownership and working to more leisurely activities. She was blessed with a family who loved her, husband William (Bill), her children David (Dawn), Ruth Ann and Rosemary, her grandchildren, Nevada Lee (Charles), Mackenzie and Chase William, and her great grandson Logan.

Stella Bella, our beautiful star, may your love and kindness always shine bright.

Services

Visitation: September 24, 2021 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Second Visitation: September 24, 2021 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Mass: September 25, 2021 11:45 am

Sts. Philip & James R.C. Church
1 Clinton Ave.
Saint James, NY 11780


Interment:

Pinelawn Memorial Park
2030 Wellwood Avenue
FARMINGDALE, NY 11735


View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Your mother has been a kind and warm presence in my life since early in my childhood. I will miss her.

    My condolences to everyone in the family – Ruth Ann, Rosemary, David and the younger generations – as well as to the many friends and people she touched and had the good fortune of knowing her.

  2. candleDearest Stella
    Your at peace. You will be missed but you are in a better place. Your a guardian angel to all you left behind

  3. Stella brought happiness to so many peoples lives. I enjoyed getting to know you and your family and I will miss you terribly. You’re with the father now and I’m sure you will watch over each and everyone of us and let us know that you’re still with us. Rest in peace.✨

  4. The world will miss this special lady. She was always a beacon of light and hope. So kind to everyone and had the biggest heart for her family and community. She will be missed.

  5. Stella was a long time member of the League of Women Voters. She was honest and practical loved her family and her community. With Stella’s passing Smithtown has lost a voice of reason. Thanks for being part of my dearest memories!

  6. Stella was one of the first people who welcomed me out when I started attending litma dances and parties. She was a good dance partner, and always made me laugh. She helped ou out many times, I appreciate all she did.

    • Thank you Liz for your kindness. My Mom’s laugh joy and laugh was contagious. She could always break my intense moods by her positive attitude and smile.

  7. My cousin Stella was one of a kind, my condolences to Ruthann, Rosemary and the rest of the family and friends

  8. So sorry for your loss, Ruth Ann. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Take care. Sincerely, Debbie Munkelwitz

  9. “My Mother was a Saint”..how many times I heard you say that, I don’t know but it resonated with me. I realize now that MY mother is a saint, by my own definition; not a perfect person, someone with an edge, a passion, a dedication, someone driven, someone with a burning sense of loyalty and most of all, someone who recognizes the deep human need for the spiritual more. Call it God, Spirit. Connection, that which cannot be named. Mom, this is you, teaching to me strive for the best and when we miss the mark, Love fills in the rest.

  10. candleI knew Stella from English Country Dancing in Smithtown, NY where she graced the floor and helped with refreshments. Her presence is missed.

    • Thank you Nicole. I only wish I had my Mom’s talent for dancing. She loved music and dance so much, it was one of the activities she enjoyed throughout and to the end of her life. Stella would want all around her to continue to enjoy dance and music as much as she did.

  11. Stella was a delight to be around. I knew her through the Greenbelt Trail Conference. She led walks every Saturday afternoon at the Weld house in Blydenbeg Park. She volunteered in the Greenbelt office several days a week. She was always working, willing to help. An amazing kind caring woman. Everyone will miss her.
    My condolences to her family.
    Dorothy Chanin.

    • Thank you Dorothy for your kind words. My Mom loved hiking and truly enjoyed the hikes and events of the Greenbelt. She especially enjoyed the friendships and bonds she formed. She spent so much time at the Blyndenburgh-Weld House it was like a second home to her.

  12. At the “0ld” Nesconset Library, I met Stella years ago when we were in a discussion group about the future of the Smithtown Library, then a department of Town of Smithtown. I may have been in a Yoga class also at the “old” Nesconset Library with her daughter Ruth Ann! I am amazed at all the organizations she was involved with when I read her obituary. I extend heartfelt condolences to all of her family on their loss. What a truly remarkable person she was! May she rest in peace.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

  1. candle

Accessibility Tools
hide