Nancy Baker Obituary

Nancy A. Baker, 74, of Greenport, passed away at home on July 13, 2025. Born on August 28, 1950, in Greenfield, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Maurice and Elsie (Wing) Kemp. She graduated from Ocawamick Central School in 1968 and had also earned her cosmetology I & II diplomas while in high school.

Nancy’s professional journey began in cosmology as a hairdresser making people feel beautiful. She then worked at the Match factory in production, demonstrating her hardworking nature. She pursued her education with determination, obtaining her accounting degree from Columbia Greene Community College, and went on to work for Karp, Ackerman, Skabowski & Hogan CPA’s in Hudson. As a skilled bookkeeper, she managed finances for KenDon Antiques and Schrader Home Interiors. Most notably, Nancy dedicated many years as the office manager at Bates & Anderson. She concluded her career at the Flint Law Firm in Chatham, retiring on April 1, 2025.

Nancy found joy in her personal endeavors. She loved scrapbooking, antiquing, and exploring yard sales in search of hidden treasures. An avid collector, she enjoyed amassing Beanie Babies, Barbie dolls, tea cups & jewelry. She enjoyed making ceramics in home bureau. Her love for travel was evident, visiting beaches including Nubble lighthouse in Maine, the Poconos, and Virginia Beach.

Nancy is survived by her daughters, Melissa (Colin) Crozier and Kelly Baker, and her heart was filled with pride for her granddaughter, Samantha Cure, as well as her grandsons, John and Terry Layman. She left behind her lifelong best friends Ellen and Clyde Schrader, Diane Manchuck, and Laurie Richards. She is also survived by her beloved sister and best friend, Shirley Zitto, her brother, Stephen Kemp, and her sister-in-law, Carol Kemp, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Lavallee, her brother, Ronald Kemp, and her brother-in-law, Frederick Zitto.

A time for sharing memories and offering condolences will be on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 8063 Route 22, Copake, New York. Where a funeral service will be held beginning at Noon. Pastor Karin Squires will officiate. Interment will follow in Mellenville Cemetery. Nancy’s legacy of love and devotion to her family will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.