Michelle "Max" M. Baker Obituary (1963 - 2026)

Michelle “Max” M. Baker Ithaca, New York Went home to be with her Lord and Savior after a courageous battle with Pancreatic cancer on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at the age of 63. She was born on January 11, 1963 in Horseheads, New York. She is predeceased by her husband, Lyman E. Baker; mother, Barbara J. Dickinson, and her sister and brother-in-law Vicki and Mike Disinski. Michelle is survived by her siblings, Richard (Sue) Vester of York, PA and Niki (Frankie) Bohart of Elmira, NY; her aunt, Catherine Hulett; step-son William Baker (Amiee Hart); four step-grandchildren, four step great-grandchildren, as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many close family friends. Michelle graduated from Southside High School in Elmira, New York in 1982, and worked as a preschool teacher for over twenty years. She also worked at Traveler’s Insurance for eighteen years, and then five years at Tompkins Community Bank in Ithaca, New York. In her spare time, she enjoyed cross stitching, card making, and baking. Her greatest enjoyment came from spending time with Lyman walking down by the lake having picnic lunches, as well as Sunday drives to get ice cream, dancing on the front porch while listening to the radio. She also adored the time she spent with her mom, Barb, and sister, Niki. The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospicare of Tompkins County for their incredible service, hospitality and exceptional care of Michelle. When the family went to visit her, they made them truly feel like they were at home. The family welcomes your condolences at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to remember Michelle, please consider donating to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or Hospicare of Tompkins County in her memory.