IN MEMORIAM: Anita M. Baird, 87;

Active At First Baptist For 62 Years

ONEONTA – Anita M. Baird, active in First Baptist Church for 62 of her 87 years, passed away Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, surrounded by her family.

Anita was born Aug. 12, 1928, in Deposit; the daughter of Lester and Cora (Baker) Lewis.  She married Eli (Bud) Baird Jr. on July 19, 1947 in Oneonta.  She was predeceased by Bud in December 2002.

Anita had a servant’s heart, and loved caring for people, especially behind the scenes.  She had a knack for “collecting” and mothering people.  When asked about it, she said that she never met a person she didn’t like.

She had a rock solid faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  Momma Nita, as she was affectionately known to her church family, was a member of the First Baptist Church for 62 years and served in many capacities; including Sunday School teacher and superintendent, costumer for Sunday School plays, founder and coordinator of the annual Scholarship Variety Show fundraiser, church historian, craft group coordinator, a rummage sale coordinator, American Baptist Women’s Ministries secretary and a constant presence in the kitchen and anywhere else that a helping hand was needed. She was also a camp counselor at the American Baptist Camp, Pathfinder Lodge in Cooperstown.

She was a gifted crafter. Knitting, crocheting, crewel, and quilting were some of her favorites. Until her illness prevented her a few months ago, she volunteered at Robynwood Adult Home, assisting the activities director with crafts. She was always looking for craft projects that the residents would enjoy.  They will particularly remember her for her banana bread.

She and Bud founded the Table Toppers 4-H club in Oneonta.   She loved working with the children and having the opportunity to share her talents, encouragement and love with all of them.   Anita also taught leather crafting for over 15 years at the Otsego County 4-H camp.

She loved spending time with family.  She was especially proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Anita enjoyed nature. She loved her garden and feeding and watching the birds.  She and Bud took the family camping in various campers to many different locations.

She will be remembered by many alumni of the Oneonta Nursery School where she worked as the teacher’s aide for many years.  She also worked as an election inspector for the Fifth Ward.

Anita is survived by her children, Charlotte (Bill) Walker of Pinellas Park, FL, Nancy Hughes of Delhi, Gail Baird of Oneonta and Lisa Baird of Tonawanda, NY; grandchildren, Bill Walker Jr., Shari White, Heather Neighbour-Scarborough and Leeann Vrabel; great-grandchildren, Blake Neighbour, Jacob Vrabel, Hannah Neighbour, Justin White and Kieran Vrabel; 2 sisters, Alice Taylor of Florida and Arlene (Monkey) Bunting of Oneonta and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her daughter Jane Baird, two sisters, Ruth Bunting, Audrey Finch and two infant brothers.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street in Oneonta.

Her funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2016 at the funeral home with the Rev. Randolph Palada and the Rev. Jeffrey Staples officiating.

Burial will take place at a later date at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Anita to the First Baptist Church, 73 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lhpfuneralhome.com.

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home in Oneonta is assisting the family.