Charlene N. Baker

Charlene N. Baker, 62, of Camillus, NY, lost her short but fierce battle with pancreatic cancer on September 23, 2024. She was born in Buffalo, NY to the late Janet (VonPless) and David Baker. Char grew up in West Seneca, NY and was the fourth of five children. She was a graduate of West Seneca West Senior High School and attended SUNY Cortland, graduating with a bachelor’s and then a master’s degree in education. She then attended Syracuse University and obtained a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in school administration/leadership. Char was a dedicated educator who gave it her all in the classroom and in her leadership positions. Her 37-year career in the Syracuse City School District saw her serving as a teacher, coach, summer school coordinator, special education coordinator and Vice Principal. Upon retirement in 2018, Char returned to work for the Syracuse City School District as a retiree and filled the role of Vice Principal, once again. Char was best known for her no-nonsense, take-charge way of life. There was no obstacle too big to be tackled. She loved all of her students and mentored many professionals along the way, helping to shape their careers. Outside of work, she was an avid builder, landscaper, problem solver, lover of pets, Buffalo Bills fan and the family glue. Char’s favorite verse was “LIVE life passionately, LAUGH out loud, LOVE unconditionally”. 

Char was predeceased by her parents, Janet (VonPless) and David Baker; brother, Norman Baker and sister, Sandra Dzina Baker.

She is survived by her life partner, Margo A. Nish and their shared children, Mackenzie C. Nish and her fiancé, Andrew Hoover and Kerrigan M. Nish; sister, Suzanne (William) Yager; brother, Charles Baker; sister-in-law, Patricia Baker; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; lifelong best friend, Sandra O’Donnell and treasured pets, Benji, Mickey and Aphrodite.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 4-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals in North Syracuse. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 9am at the funeral home with burial to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. 

To view the service, click here 

Char’s commitment to education will be honored through the establishment of the Charlene N. Baker Future Educators Scholarship Fund. This will be awarded annually to a Syracuse City School District Senior entering the field of education. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation by making checks payable to: Charlene N. Baker Future Educators Scholarship Fund and mailing the check to OSHER Tax & Wealth, 7207 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066.

To share a memory of Char or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.