Mary Lentine Baker, age 66 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at home, surrounded by her loving family under the care of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born December 6, 1950, daughter of the late Sebastian and Frances Tufo Lentine, Mary was a lifelong Hunterdon County, NJ resident.

To write of the life of Mary Lentine Baker, one would need begin by first mentioning that her family meant everything to her. Her husband, their four children, five grandchildren and her extended family are the reason Mary was who she was, and why her legacy of genuineness and caring will not soon be forgotten. Being a loving wife, mother and grandmother was an innate quality that Mary possessed and one of goodness that spilled over into all who came in contact with her.

Humble in spirit, Mary was loud in action. In addition to raising a family, Mary gave back to the community which she treasured. Her legacy of caring was memorialized in 2015 when she received the Volunteer Wescott Award from the Hunterdon Medical Center, the most prestigious award given by the hospital. Mary was given this honor for her work at the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center where she worked tirelessly with a peer support program known as “Partners In Healing.” A two-time cancer survivor, she volunteered each week with patients as they dealt with all that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Knowing first-hand what patients go through, Mary provided comfort, kindness and understanding to patients and had a keen ability to assist them in many ways.  She became a fixture at the Cancer Center and gave so many patients and their families hope, which can be difficult to find when facing a cancer diagnosis. She was loved by patients and staff alike, and all looked forward to her smile which many quoted as, “radiating sunshine.”

In addition to raising a family and giving back to the community, Mary and her husband of thirty-nine years, Donald S. Baker, with whom she joined hands in marriage on September 9, 1978, greatly enjoyed spending time at Lake George in New York. Their family retreat was a place where Mary taught many long-lasting life lessons and traditions to her children and grandchildren. James Taylor, one of Mary’s favorite musicians is quoted as saying, “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” Mary certainly lived each day to the fullest and made this world a better place by being a kind and gentle soul in it. Her steadfast courage and love, through both the simpler times and through the trying times, is what she leaves for all those who will continue living her legacy.

Surviving, in addition to her husband Donald, are her daughter, Nicole and her husband, Anthony Piazza of Clinton, NJ, a son, Jordan and his wife, Jennifer Baker of Flemington, NJ, a son, Jared Baker of Flemington, NJ, a son, Gregory and his wife, Elizabeth Baker of Califon, NJ; five grandchildren, Wesley Baker, Cameron Baker, Kaitlyn Baker, Zinnia Piazza and Maribel Baker; a sister, Angela Lachenmayr of Flemington, NJ, a sister, Josephine and her husband, Phillip McCaffrey of Flemington, NJ, a brother, Salvatore and his wife, Deborah Lentine of Ringoes, NJ; and many extended family and friends.

There will be a public memorial gathering on Sunday, March 26, 2017 from 1:00-4:30 p.m. in Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Everyone is invited to visit Mary’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to send a public or private message of condolence and to share stories and photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in Mary’s memory may do so to the “Jean Alvater Baker Educational Fund-Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation.” This fund, created in honor of Don’s mother, provides educational opportunities to individuals pursuing careers in nursing. Mary had a great respect and appreciation for the dedication of all the nurses with whom she worked as well as those involved with her care throughout her life.

Contributions may be mailed to: Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation, 9100 Wescott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822.