Bessie Baker Brooks

Bessie Baker Brooks

Himrod: Bessie Baker Brooks, age 83, of Himrod, NY, died Friday, May 30, 2014, at The Homestead in Penn Yan, N.Y. Honoring her wishes, there are no prior calling hours, and services will be private at the convenience of the family. Inurnment will be in Grove Mount Cemetery, Himrod, NY.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions in her memory to Grove Mount Cemetery, 3515 Hall Rd., Himrod, NY 14842, or the Himrod Community Church, Himrod, NY 14842.

Bessie was born September 12, 1930, in Crown Point, Essex County, NY, the daughter of the late William Edward and Bessie Mae Fuller Baker. Having lived all over the East Coast and even Puerto Rico, following her husband as his job as a Test Driller moved him as needed. She has lived in the Finger Lakes area since 1967 and finally settled in Himrod in 1969. A devoted mother and homemaker, Bessie had worked many different jobs, from diners to bartending, even dry cleaning; but she especially enjoyed working in the vineyards. When she was not working, she enjoyed baking, ironing, and being a "Wonderful Mom."

Mrs. Brooks was a member of the Himrod Baptist Church and the Himrod Conservation Club. She is loved and will be dearly missed by two daughters, Lucinda B. "Cindy" (Jim) Paddock and Brenda B. (Daryl) Ames, both of Dundee; a son, Bruce E. (Brenda Archer) Baker of Penn Yan; four grandchildren; one great grandson; two sisters, Wilma Veneto of Port Henry, NY, and Margaret Kelly of Moriah, NY; and countless nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Bill C. Brooks, on Jan. 24, 1993; five brothers; and four sisters.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.