Judith A Baker

Judith Ann Baker (née Saporito), of West Bristol, PA died peacefully with family at her side on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the age of 82.

Judy was born in New Rochelle, NY, the daughter of Alphonse Rocco Saporito and Jean Saporito (née Skola), both deceased. She was the seventh of ten siblings, seven of whom have preceded her in death: Joan Saporito (in childhood), Helen (Peter) Neylon, Phyllis (Donald) Friedman, Diane (Wilmer) Faux, Barbara (James) Collum, Frank Saporito, and Veronica (Edward) Tonart. She is survived by sisters, Jo Anne (David) Thomas, of Media, PA, who was her best friend and helped care for her through her last days, and Gloria Jean (Richard) Chase, of Harveys Lake, PA, brother-in-law, Wesley (Mary Baker) Carrajat, of Cranford, NJ, and sister-in-law, Teresa (Charles) Radice, of Leland, NC, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Judy grew up in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where she enjoyed being part of a big family, learning her mom's delicious recipes, going to the movies with Grandma Wallace, summer fun at Harveys Lake, and attending dances with her friends.

It was while attending just such a dance at King's College that she met her husband, John. It was love at first sight! After his graduation, the two married on December 28, 1963, and eventually moved their family of five to the Philadelphia area. Left to carry on Judy's legacy are the joys of her life; her children, Jennifer (Earl) New and Julie Baker of Langhorne, PA; John (Eve Miller) Baker of Merchantville, NJ; and her cherished grandsons, Roland New, and Henry and Benjamin Casper, all of Langhorne, PA.

Judy put all of her love and effort into her family as a devoted wife and mother, making a warm and loving home in West Bristol, PA with yummy meals and family traditions, music, and laughter. She was a fastidious homemaker, keeping a clean and orderly house, but loved getting her hands dirty creating her lovely flower gardens. She was so proud when she got her driver’s license in the early 1970s and would help other moms out with her newfound freedom. She was a kind and giving neighbor, and all the neighborhood kids loved her.

Judy took enormous pride in her children's educational accomplishments at St. Thomas Aquinas in Croydon, and Bishop Conwell and Bishop Egan High Schools in Levittown. She also fervently encouraged their interests in dance, sports, art, and music, and never missed a performance regardless of how late or far. She always made sure they had everything they needed to thrive.

After getting her children off to solid school careers, Judy returned to the workforce, holding positions doing light office work and bookkeeping at Bristol Casuals apparel, then at Jim Johnson’s Goodyear, in Fairless Hills. Later in life, she put her love of gardening to work at Autumn Hill Garden Center's retail shop. But her most favorite job was that of dog groomer at Country Canine Cuts in Newtown, because she got to spend her day with animals, which was her passion. 

Over her life, she was a devoted pet parent to many, mostly- rescue dogs (Ginger, Chauncey, Blackjack, Basil, Bear, Happy, Dude, and Tex), rabbits, birds, and in her final years, one very special cat, named Butterfly, who now is living his best life with her son, John and his wife, Eve. Judy helped take care of many of her neighbors' dogs when they went on vacation and kept many strays safe until they could be reunited with their families. She was a fierce protector of all animals, a vegetarian, and a supporter of animal rights.

Judy adored her three grandsons, who made her so proud of their accomplishments. Growing up, special days with Gram were plenty, and she was eager to step in on a busy day to do a school pickup, oversee homework, and make dinner. She never missed their sports, Scouting, and school events. She would do anything for her grandbabies and was their biggest fan! They are blessed to have more happy memories of their Gram than they could ever count!

True to her roots, Judy was a lifelong, die-hard New York Yankees fan, and watching her "Bronx Bombers" was the highlight of each day for her from April to October. 

Spirituality was important to Judy, and she found Buddhism to be the right fit for her. She looked forward to classes taught by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Eve, and their teachers, at Kadampa Meditation Center in Philly, and trips to New York State for special weekend events. 

Judy was blessed to be the recipient of a new kidney in 2013, after waiting five years; a life-extending gift for which she and her family were forever grateful. Right up to the end of her life, she made sure to list herself as an organ donor on her state ID.

Judy was loving and kind, funny, creative, giving, had great courage, and learned the wisdom of being in the moment. She will be dearly missed for so many reasons, not only by her family, but by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Galzerano Funeral Home, 3500 Bristol-Oxford Valley Rd., Levittown, PA 19057. A short memorial service will immediately follow. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to one of two organizations near and dear to Judy's heart would be appreciated.

Kadampa Meditation Center Philadelphia Donation Link

Best Friends Animal Society Donation Link