Marie "Jill" Baron

Marie “Jill” Baron, 91, formerly of Lancaster, passed away on May 18, 2016 in her residence at the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg after a valiant fight against cancer. She was the daughter of the late John H. and Elsie B. Jilcott. Growing up on a small farm in rural Northeastern North Carolina, at age eighteen she intrepidly headed to Norfolk, VA for secretarial school and then to a first job in Philadelphia. She later moved to New York City where a blind date led her to her lifetime partner and soulmate, Robert Baron. They arrived in Lancaster in 1964 where she became a member of the Temple Beth El Sisterhood. She devoted countless hours there, never saying no to a request for help with any project. Her Southern hospitality always stayed with her as she readily opened her heart and home to friends and family. After their children left the nest, she worked in jewelry retail and loved helping customers find just the right piece or helping them design it. She and Bob spent hours travelling the countryside just to see where the road would take them. In addition, while Bob shot trap, Jill and her lifelong friend Jane Lanza would have a blast entertaining themselves at the various shooting locations reminding many of Lucy and Ethel on the loose. Jill and Bob’s room was always the central gathering place for every reunion of the Army’s 86th Blackhawk Division that they joyfully arranged across the country for years. Continuing this tradition, Jill and Bob’s table at the Jewish Home dining hall was always the center of attention.

Nothing gave “mama” more joy than her three grandsons; Andrew Baron, Adam Baron and Jason Baron Rosenbloom. Any trip to mama’s house immediately led to a spread of fruit and snacks and nothing else in the world mattered except what the boys had to say.

After moving from Lancaster to the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg, it was discovered that “JillyBean” had hidden artistic talent. In spite of failing eyesight, she worked with a magnifying glass and bright light to create bold and vivid paintings that will always be cherished. Her indomitable spirit and disapproval of self-pity were values that she emphatically lived by and encouraged her family to do so. Her wisecracking humor throughout her life but especially during her last battles will always bring a smile and be a source of strength for all of us.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert, her son Richard (Karen Peckham), daughter Deborah Baron (fiancé David Hiester) and her 3 grandsons in addition to several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express its eternal gratefulness to all the fantastic staff at the Jewish Home and for the phenomenally compassionate and professional care provided by all the caregivers at Hospice of Central Pennsylvania.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday, May 22 at the Temple Shaarai Shomayim 75 E. James St, Lancaster, PA. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Shiva will be observed Tuesday, May 24th at 7:30 PM at the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jill’s memory to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania http://hospiceofcentralpa.org/donations memorial gifts.php or the American Cancer Society at m.cancer.org/donate..

Online condolences may be made to www.neillfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Neill Funeral Home, Harrisburg, PA.