OBITUARY

Patricia Searle Baker passed away peacefully at the Canyonlands Care Center in Moab, Utah on July 25th, 2023. She was 90 years old. 

Pat was born in Kent, England on June 2, 1933 to William and Doris Searle. She attended Girton College at Cambridge University in England. She met Donald Baker in London, and they were married in 1958. They moved to the United States in 1959. She taught mathematics in Cambridge, Massachusetts while her husband attended Harvard Law School. In 1967 she became a US citizen, due in part to her determination to vote for Robert Kennedy in 1968. In 1975, she moved to Ithaca, New York with her husband and their two children; she remained in Ithaca until 2021, when health issues compelled her to move closer to her children. 

Anyone who knew Pat knows she was devoted to her children and to her community. When her children were growing up she urged them to pursue their dreams, making sure that Margy had the opportunity to ride horses and encouraging Keith’s love of roleplaying games; today Margy leads an equestrian drill team and Keith is a professional game designer. Pat helped with many events at the Alternative Community School, such as sewing costumes for plays and chaperoning bicycle trips. She could be found working at the polls every election. She volunteered with the Women's Opportunity Center and taught at the BOCES Adult Education program. While Pat lived a simple life, she helped and encouraged the people around her to achieve their dreams. 

Friends may also remember Pat’s quick wit and her love of the written word—whether reading mystery novels, completing crosswords with friends, or often crushing her opponents in Scrabble. 

Pat is survived by her children Margy Swenson (Kendall) and Keith Baker (Jenn Ellis), her brother Ron, and several nieces, nephews, and their children. She was preceded in death by her brother Mickey. A private graveside service will be held in Moab, Utah. A memorial service will be held in Ithaca at a future date. In lieu of flowers, mourners may donate to the Women’s Opportunity Center in Ithaca, NY.  

Pat’s family would like to thank the Canyonlands Care Center staff for the compassion and kindness given to Pat during her time in Moab. 

TRIBUTES