Lisi Verinia Baker

Lisi began her education at PS 63 for 3 years then went onto PS271Q in Flushing, Queens. She took the bus for about two weeks then was travel trained. After, Lisi took the #34 bus from 161st Street to Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue. From there she would take the #7 train to 90th Street and walk to school.

In 1986, she graduated from PS271Q and began attending Queens Center for Progress formerly known as United Cerebral Palsy of Queens. At QCP, Lisi did volunteer work at senior centers by helping to serve food and passing out books to the members. Lisi enjoyed this as she loved helping others. While doing volunteer work, Lisi would take the bus with her peers and staff to get to some of their sites and also for recreational activities.

Lisi was a regular traveler with Sprout and a member of QCP Friday Night social gathering where she made many friends. She would enjoy weekends or weeklong get away with the group to upstate NY, Connecticut or Pennsylvania. Lisi would return home planning her next trip with the group. Often times, you would find her in her room speaking with her friends on the phone. We would wonder and still to this day wondered what they were talking about as you hear the laughter coming from her room. Though Friday Night Social was kept at her day program site, Lisi would insist on returning home after day program to freshen up before Friday Night Social. You would not catch her in the same clothes at social that she wore to day program that day. Lisi took pride in her appearance. She was clean, neat and enjoyed dressing up. She must be color coordinated; hair and nails must be well done.

Lisi was a very happy, friendly and kindhearted person. She loved and respected others. Lisi loved music and dancing. Don’t play Michael Jackson song because its dancing and singing all day. She enjoyed traveling and was exposed to many places. She traveled to Germany, Paris, France, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and many cruises. On one of her many cruises, she entered a talent contest and danced her heart out to Michael Jackson “Beat It”. She had every move and lyrics down. She received great applause for her performance.

Lisi was a valued church member at Grace Episcopal Church, Jamaica, NY, where she was a member of the Union of Black Episcopalian, Episcopal Church Woman, Usher Guild and an honorary Tender Loving Care member. She enjoyed and participated in activities hosted by these groups and other groups in the church. There were times when her mother would not attend a function, but Lisi showed up and showed out. Lord, she was loved by all and the life of the party with her dancing. Don’t let her hear of a trip, she began planning and packing before things get off the ground.

Lisi loved her birthday and would celebrate for the whole year if you let her. She looked forward to birthday blessings and would go up every Sunday in January until her birthday. Now for the pictures, she enjoyed them and was often posing for pics.

In May of 2018, Lisi moved to QCP Bellerose campus where she continued to share her helping skills. She helped staff and her peers in any way she could. Her friendly nature made it easy for her to get along well with others. On August 22, 2025, Lisi heard the call of her master, took his hand and peacefully went to sleep.

Left to cherish her memories, her mother Celine, brother Jason, sister Moultry, nephew Marcus, a host of cousins, church family, and most of all her QCP family members. Lisi Verinia as she loved to be called will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at R. Stutzmann & Son, located at 224-39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428, on September 12, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

An additional visitation will take place at Grace Episcopal Church, 155-15 Jamaica Ave, New York, NY 11434, on September 13, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am.

The funeral service will follow at the same location from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A graveside service will be conducted at Grace Episcopal Churchyard, 155-15 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11434, on September 13, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.