Obituary of Darlene Ann Baird

Darlene Ann Baird

Passed Peacefully on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the age of 80 years old.

Born in North Tarrytown NY on January 17, 1943, Darlene lived in Ossining, NY before settling in Cortlandt Manor, NY in 1976 where she, along with her loving husband Tom of 59 years, raised their three children, Thomas Baird IV (Kelly) of Albany NY, Cheryl Baird of the Town of Cortlandt NY, and Douglas Baird (Gail) of Carmel NY.

Darlene retired from the Westchester County Department of Social Services in Peekskill and prior to that worked at Readers Digest for more than 15 years. After retirement, and into her late 70s, she helped seniors and those with physical needs as a nurse's aid where she went above and beyond spending time with those she cared for just talking, playing board and card games, and providing comfort and kindness. This was just a part of who Darlene was, always thinking of others and putting them first making sure everyone was OK and had what they needed (and even more sometimes). As anyone who knew her, can agree, you would never go hungry when she was around.

She could turn out a meal almost at will, and just about anywhere she was, even if it was just a rotisserie chicken. Spending time with her children, grandchildren (Nick, Zack, Carly, Austin, and Madison) and great-grandchildren (Sienna, Amelia, and Beau) was the highlight of her later years.

Darlene enjoyed camping when her children were younger and traveling around the world with her husband Tom, whom we lost in 2022. Cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Italy, and Europe combined with her love of Las Vegas (and the slot machines) were memories she often reflected on in her later years. Sharing her stories produced a smile and special glow, second to none, as she recounted interesting and often funny stories sometimes poking a little fun at her husband Tom. It would be an oversight not to mention how Darlene loved the thrill of a chase for a bargain and sometimes how she literally chased down that bargain. At Christmas, there was always one useful and practical (unexpected) gift that she had for every single person that was exactly the same.

Over the last year, Darlene found solace in gardening, taking care of her home, and spending more time with her daughter, Cheryl, grandson Nick, and granddaughter Madison as they became closer as time went on. She loved the craft fairs she attended with her cousin Rosemarie Pennella from Putnam Valley who also looked out for Darlene, especially in her later years.  Darlene’s brother, Jeffrey Boriss (Marta) of Columbus Indiana, and their sons Jeff and Jon, always held a special place in her heart as she visited them whenever she could and missed them when separated.  We will forever miss her and everything she did with, and for, her family and friends, and just a random person in need. The family and her friends are lucky to have the very vivid memories, experiences, and life lessons that have, and will, live with us forever.

She is survived by her; Sons: Thomas C. Baird IV (Kelly Baird) of Albany NY; Douglas J. Baird (Gail Baird) of Carmel, NY; Daughter: Cheryl A. Baird of Town of Cortlandt NY. Grandchildren: Nicholas D. Baird (Brittany Baird) and Madison Lynn VanTil of Town of Cortlandt NY. Zackary T. Baird; Carly L. Baird, and Austin T. Baird of Albany NY; Great Grandchildren: Sienna Baird (Cheryl) of Town of Cortlandt NY. Amelia Baird and Beau Baird (Zackary Baird) of Albany NY, Brother: Jeffrey Boriss (Marta) of Columbus Indiana, and their sons Jeff and Jon.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY.

Chapel Service will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 10:00 am at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY.

Interment to follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, 101 Mill Street, Putnam Valley, NY.