Elaine Baker

ELAINE BAKER, an EYSHET CHAYIL

Elaine was born in Philadelphia on October 24, 1924 – nearly 100 years ago.

After a brief stay in Trenton, the family, her mother, Anna, her father, James, her brother Bruce, and her sisters, Gloria and Dolly, settled in Atlantic City – at 18 Stenton Place where they ran a boarding house.  Anna was a strong believer in education, not just for the male children, but also for female children.  This was instilled in all of them, despite the fact that the family, struggled to make ends meet during the depression.  All 4 children attended and graduated from college.  Bruce from Rutgers University and the 3 women from NJCW, later known as Douglass College, the Women’s College of Rutgers University.

Elaine majored in Latin American Studies and minored in French and Spanish while she attended college during the war years.   When her husband to be, Irv, fought on the beaches of Iwo Jima, Elaine did her part as she volunteered at Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, rolling bandages for the war effort and joining with her friends at Camp Kilmer to innocently socialize with the soldiers on that army base.

Once Elaine graduated in 1946 she taught Spanish and French at her alma mater Atlantic City High School.  Amazingly some of her students were former GIs returning from the war, many of whom were older than she.

In September 1947, Elaine and the love of her life, Irvin Baker were married.  They were married for 72 years, until Irv’s death in 2019.  They had 3 children, Susan, Richard, and Michael.  Three grandchildren, additional joys of their lives, Alison, Andrew, and Jordan; and 4 great grandchildren, a super bonus, Noam, Caleb, Eliana, and Orli.  The family was the most precious and joyous part of their lives.   They were both devoted parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.

Almost as important was Elaine and Irv’s devotion to the preservation of Jewish life and to Zionism.  This trickled down to grandchildren who spent gap years in Israel; one of whom made Allyah and servied in the IDF.  While Irv focused his energies on the Jewish Federation, Elaine was a devoted daughter of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America.  Irv was an engaging extrovert, while Elaine was a quiet, demure and shy introvert.   Irv supported all of Elaine’s Hadassah activities and she blossomed.  After serving on her local small chapter’s board, she became president of the chapter.   When the chapter merged with other neighboring chapter she became the president of the larger chapeter.  Then she became the president of the Southern J Region of Hadassah.  After each successful portfoloio, Elaine did even more.  When she retired she was the National Major Girfts Chairperson.  She had learned many skills that she applied to her robust intellect.

During this time she also joined Irv in his business as an office manager, bookkeeper, and administrative assistant.  Together with their son Richard, they grew Seacoast Laboratories.

When they left NJ, Elaine continued her endeavors for Hadassah in  Fort Lauderdale.  These activities further enriched and gave meaning to their lives.  Also in Florida, the 3 sisters and spouses reunited in the most joyful and fulfilling ways.

Surviving is her daughter Susan Joseph and her husband Dr. Charles Joseph of Denville, NJ; her son, Michael Baker, and his wife Hon. Jessica Mayer of East Brunswick; her son Richard Baker of Rochester, NY; her grandchildren Alison and Andrew Joseph, and Jordan Baker; and her great grandchildren Caleb, Eliana and Orli Kirschen, and Noam Feingold.

Elaine Baker had a life well lived, full of love, and personal and community gratification.  The world is a much better place for having had Elaine in it.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15^th, 11:00 am at Beth Israel Cemetery Chapel, Rt. 1 North and Woodbridge Avenue, Woodbridge.  Burial will follow at Beth Israel.  Arrangements are by The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St-at Riva Avenue, Milltown.  Contributions may be made in Elaine’s name to Hadassah.  You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com