Charleen M. Baker

April 1, 1960 - November 20, 2021

Charleen Baker of Cinnaminson passed away on November 20, 2021. She was 61 years old. Charleen was born to the late Glenn and Charlotte Baker. After graduating from Cinnaminson High School, she went to college at Delaware Valley University, receiving a BS in Horticulture. She obtained advanced degrees in plant science—a MS from the University of Florida and a PhD from the University of Minnesota. Charleen’s plant research career took her to work in several places—Athens, GA, Bozeman, MT, Brookings, SD, Oakland, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Apopka, FL, and Gervais, OR. Ultimately, she returned to Cinnaminson and embarked on a new career as a professor of biology at several area colleges. It was a profession she truly loved. She is survived by her sister, Adele Baker, and brother-in-law, Mark Maksimik. She has a cherished nephew and two nieces, Patrick, Elizabeth, and Jessica Maksimik. She was much loved by her uncle, Donald Anderson, and aunt, Helen Anderson, the wife of Kenneth Anderson, who predeceased her. She also left behind many friends who will miss her dearly. Charleen always put the needs of others before her own, living by the motto, “I always try to be a good person.” She was the constant companion, chauffeur, and friend to her mother in her later years. She enjoyed baking treats and sending cards to bring joy to her friends. Her flower garden was greatly admired by the neighbors. She continued doing these things throughout her five year battle with cancer; it is amazing the number of lives she touched by these simple acts of kindness. Charleen was a life-long Episcopalian. Most recently she was a valued member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church Riverside, NJ serving on the vestry and Episcopal Church Women’s fund drive. Her true passion was sending cards to parish members as part of the church’s card ministry. In 2020 Charleen was named by her church as the Honored ECW Woman of the Year. Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Monday, March 28, from 9 am to 10:30 am at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North. A memorial service will begin at 11:15 am at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 324 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside, followed by a committal service at Lakeview Memorial Park, 1300 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson. Luncheon to follow immediately back at St. Stephens Church; please RSVP to Adele by March 10th for the luncheon, by email: [email protected], or phone: 201-280-7777. ** Masks will be required ** Please make memorial gifts to St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 324 Bridgeboro St, Riverside, NJ 08075, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.