Marie "Tessie" (Lima) Baird

Mrs. Marie (Lima) Baird

Clinton, NY: Marie “Tessie” Baird, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at The Lutheran Home of CNY.

Tessie was born in Utica, on February 11, 1925, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Anna (Brindisi) Lima. She was educated in local schools and a graduate of TR Proctor High School. At one time, Marie was married to Richard C. Clair and from that union had her two eldest children. In 1963, she was joined in marriage to Douglas B. Baird and they shared over forty-seven loving years together until Doug passed away on October 13, 2010.

Marie worked, for many years, as an assembler at General Electric and more recently as a waitress at Karrat’s Restaurant, where she enjoyed many longtime friendships.

A family oriented person, Tessie enjoyed the art of giving and gave to anyone she met, never expecting anything in return. Shopping and going out to lunch was a daily routine and bingo was a big part of her life. As a bingo veteran of forty plus years, she played at Columbia Street, Greystone and more recently at Turning Stone. Tessie would never take no for an answer and always spoke her mind, whether you liked it or not. A very intuitive person, she possessed a unique ability to read people through their handwritten name. Always ready with a pot of coffee, she would share countless memories of her life adventures and this is what we will always miss the most.

Tessie is survived by a son, Richard Clair (Mary Alice), of VA; daughter, Anne Pearson-Ekdahl, (Gary), of  NH; and daughter,  Arliss Organisciak (David), of Clinton; many beloved grandchildren, especially acknowledging those she helped raise, Joseph Campese (Monica), Douglas Campese, Marie Campese (Ryan Bassett), Kristen Wydom (Marc), Kara Stasko (Jamie), Olivia Organischiak and Matt Clair; several great grandchildren; one sister, Carol Chevalier, of CA; and also many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, Peter Lima and three sisters, Rose Comito, Gloria Dixon and Florence “Dolly” Yeargain.

Marie’s family will honor her privately and entombment will be in Calvary Mausoleum.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Applewood unit of the Lutheran Home for the care and compassion shown to Marie during her stay there. In memory of Marie, please consider Lutheran Care of CNY at lutherancare.org

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