Esther Baker Clark

Esther Baker Clark (Esther Elizabeth Baker), of Syracuse, passed away peacefully in the home she loved on January 23, 2017 at the age of 99. She rejoins her husband, Robert E. Clark, whom she met in Earlville, NY and married on June 25, 1935. Esther worked at Syracuse University for seventeen years as Secretary to the Dean of the Graduate School of Education. She loved supporting the students, and was beloved by them as well as by her colleagues. She was an active member of Erwin Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. Esther and her husband had six children, to whom she was a devoted mother. Her house on Concord Place provided a warm and welcoming haven as her family grew in number and love over the years. The holiday season, birthdays and the Fourth of July brought together several generations from all parts of the country, with Esther at the heart of it all. She poured her boundless energy into every project she tackled, most notably cooking, baking, and caring for those she loved. Esther was an enthusiastic fan of Syracuse basketball, Barack Obama and country music, and was an avid reader with a perfect memory. Selfless, kind and endlessly compassionate, she bestowed unconditional love upon everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Esther's spirit will live on through this love, which her family strives to emulate each day, and through the warm memories in the hearts of all who were a part of her beautiful life.

She is survived by her children Robert, Susan Ristow, Barbara Moran (Dennis), Thomas (Deborah), Nancy, and Kathleen, seventeen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours this Friday 4-7 pm, as well as a celebration of life on Saturday at 10:30 am (reception to follow.) Both will be held at Burns and Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13224.

Donations may be made in Esther's memory to the Bernice M. Wright Nursery School at Syracuse University by mailing to Syracuse University – Falk College, Advancement Office, 427 White Hall, Syracuse NY 13244 or online at www.falk.syr.edu/alumni-friends/give.