IN MEMORIAM

Frances S. Baker, 92, RN; Head Nurse

At Homer Folks Hospital, Matteawan

ONEONTA – Frances S. Baker, 92, former head nurse at the Homer Folks TB Hospital on West Street, died Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 at the Fox Nursing Home.

She was born, July 17, 1924, in Franklin, the daughter of Alexander and Veronica (Janisius) Sienicki. She was raised on a farm in North Franklin and graduated from Franklin Central School in 1942.

As a member of the Army Cadet Nurse Corps, she attended the Hartwick College School of Nursing in 1945, graduating with an R.N. in 1947.  She went on to receive her bachelor of science in nursing in 1954.

Frances worked at Homer Folks Hospital from June 1947 to September 1971 as head Nurse/O-R supervisor.  From September 1971 until her retirement in May 1983, she worked as head nurse and director of nursing (for 3½ years) in the Matteawan Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Beacon.  The hospital was phased out in September 1997 and became the Fishkill Correctional Facility.

Since her retirement in May 1983, she has lived in Oneonta.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church and has been a member of the Rosary Society, the Young at Hearts Club, the Parish Council, and the Contemporary Choir Group.  She greatly missed the time when she was able to do various volunteer work (trimming of all the shrubbery, painting of various rooms, etc.).

Frances is survived by a nephew, Robert Sienicki and his wife Myrna and their two children; a niece, Deborah Schiffer and her two children; and one cousin Julya in Lithuania.

She was predeceased by her former husband, and in 1990 by her only son, Kevin Dwyer; also, her brother and sister-in-law, Edward A. and Mary Sienicki.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Frances’ caregivers, Trudy Barkas, Susan LeVinnes, Mary Ann Hartmann and the staff of Unit 3 at Fox Nursing Home.

A funeral mass will be at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St., with Rev. David Mickiewicz, pastor, officiating.  Calling hours are before the mass, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St.

Burial will take place in Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the St. Mary’s Church Building Fund.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.