Helen L. Baker

Mrs. Helen L. Baker, age 85, of Central Avenue, Salamanca, New York died Friday afternoon, October 30, 2009 at Mercy Hospital, Lackawanna, New York following a short illness.

Born on May 9, 1924 in Little Valley, New York she was the daughter of the late William and Luella Rice Franze. She was married in August 1945 to Mr. William E. Baker who predeceased her on May 24, 2006. She was a lifelong resident of the Salamanca area.

Mrs. Baker had been employed for over 15 years at the former Market Basket in Salamanca, New York. She also sold turquoise and silver jewelry at many area craft shows and was known as the “Turquoise Lady”.

She was an adopted Bear Clan member of the Seneca Nation of Indians. She was an avid bingo player, enjoyed doing word search as well as making jewelry.

Surviving are: a daughter, Sharon (Gerald) Wallace, Salamanca, New York; a granddaughter, Melissa Wallace, Salamanca, New York; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by 2 sisters, Edna Carter and Hazel Camp.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Wednesday from 10:30 – 11:30 A.M. at which time funeral services will be held with Rev. Terry Davis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Salamanca Public Library Memorial Fund.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com.