Gertrud E. Baker

Gertrud was born in Coburg, Germany on February 13, 1931 to the late Wilhelm and Margarete (Kornmann) Kleemann. She was formally trained in cooking, baking and dressmaking at the Coburg Fachhochschule. She was predeceased by her husband Bob and her brothers Karl and Wilhelm and sisters Waltroud, Ina and Hanni. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her son Brian Baker of Glenville NY and daughters Karen Fabian of Williamsburg VA and Diane Baker of Endwell NY. She was also beloved Omi to Evan Fabian, Chicago, IL, Connor (Allyssa) Fabian, Binghamton NY, Casey Baker, Glenville NY & Emily Baker, Blacksburg VA, and her “little sweetheart” great granddaughter Lucy Fabian. Gertrud was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments.

Gertrud said she wouldn’t marry Bob if he was the last man on earth when they first met, yet nonetheless married him in her hometown on March 14, 1953. Bob and Dolly (as she was affectionately called by Bob) were happily married for 43 years before his passing in 1995.

Gertrud and Bob moved to Owego in 1954, where they raised their family on Delphine Street. She believed strongly in community involvement throughout her life. She was a homeroom mother at Owego Elementary School for over a decade, taught arts and crafts at the Owego Boys and Girls Club, helped reopen the Marvin Park swimming pool, and ensured all local children received gifts from Santa through her work with the Owego Christmas League, among many other volunteer activities.

Gertrud's involvement in local politics began by fighting for a traffic signal to be installed after schoolmates of her children were tragically killed at the intersection of North and West Avenues in Owego. Her success in this endeavor inspired her to become a village trustee for five years prior to being elected Mayor of Owego from 1984 to 1986. She and her family were exceptionally proud of her accomplishments.

Gertrud was justifiably very proud and well known for both her gardening and cooking. Our home was surrounded by gardens which she took joy in creating and tending. Our home was likewise filled with delicious aromas of her cooking and baking, often incorporating her proud Franconian heritage.

Honoring Gertrud’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on March 14th, 2026. Donations in Gertrud’s memory may be made in her name to your local animal shelter.