Gail D. (Holmes) Baker

Mrs. Gail D. Baker, age 68, of Utica, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Chicopee, Massachusetts on May 12, 1938, Gail was the daughter of the late Ralph and Anna (Peloquin) Holmes. She was raised and educated in Massachusetts and later in Maine with her grandmother. On November 21, 1970 she married Richard L. “Dick” Baker. Love was the first and foremost foundation contributing to 36 years of a wonderful marriage. Their relationship was also enriched by mutual respect and devotion and they both enjoyed the company of friends Gail’s working life was enriched by a variety of pursuits. She was a staff member at Mohawk Data Sciences, a waitress at Howard Johnson’s, an employee at Crocker Insurance, co-owner and operator of Class Computers with her husband Dick, and an independent junkett representative for casino trips to Caesar’s Palace, the Tropicana, and the Taj Mahal. Gail’s strong and enduring work ethic hallmarked all her career endeavors. Blessed with a caring and generous nature, she was a mother of great strength, and provided with all her heart and soul for her children. She had the innate ability to establish friendships and cherish the relationships that she formed. Graced with sociability, she could strike up a conversation with a rock. She also extended acts of generosity to the local fire departments; she truly had a heart of gold. She possessed exemplary culinary talents and took pride in sharing her delights with family and friends. For leisure entertainment, she enjoyed games of chance. Gail is survived by her husband Dick; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael Paul, Sr. and Donna Baker of Utica; her daughter, Lisa Gail Cherenzia of Frankfort; her grandchildren, Navy Petty Officer Michael Paul, Jr. and Lori Baker; Holly L. Cherenzia and Matthew Gacek, and her father, Michael Paul Cherenzia; Giavannia Tantannia Cherenzia-Cupolo, and her father Giovanni Cupolo; Sarah, and Tim; and her great-grandchildren, Michael Paul Baker III, Josh, Reina, Haley, and Ciarah. Also surviving is her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Allen Trusiewicz of Chicopee, MA; her brother, Thomas Holmes of Springfield, MA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; several cousins; and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Holmes; her brother, Edward Holmes; and her brother-in-law, Harold J. Baker. The family extends appreciation to Dr. Michael Schiano and the staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially Alicia, Tonya, Sue, and Megan, for their compassionate care and continued support. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 4:00 – 8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gail’s Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 with the Rev. Bob Lindsey officiating. Interment will take place in Schuyler Cemetery. .

Gail D. (Holmes) Baker

May 12, 1938 - April 23, 2007