Marlene F. Baker

Marlene F. Baker (Fulton), age 87, lifetime resident of West Chester, PA, died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of September 10, 2026.

Born July 10, 1939, she was the daughter of the late C. Sharpless Fulton and Sarah Lynn Fulton.

After graduating from West Chester University in 1961, Marlene devoted her early career to educating young minds as a first-grade teacher at both Kennett Square and Tredyffrin-Easttown elementary schools.

Throughout her life, Marlene enjoyed traveling and the great outdoors. In her younger years, she loved camping and exploring new destinations with her family. Alongside her devoted husband, she built cherished memories vacationing on Sanibel Island, Florida, and along the New Jersey shoreline in Sea Isle City and Cape May. Closer to home, she frequently found quiet joy and inspiration in the seasonal beauty of Longwood Gardens, and she treasured time spent with family at Eagle Rock Resort. An energetic spirit, Marlene loved swimming, playing golf, and bringing a delightfully spirited competitiveness to family board and card games.

Her faith was a central pillar of her life as a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church of West Chester. Over the decades, she shared her warmth and talents with her church community—teaching Sunday school to nurture young faith and singing in both the youth and senior choirs.

Marlene is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Alfred J. Baker III, whom she married on June 24, 1961. She leaves behind a loving family, including her two daughters, Lynn Smiley of West Chester, PA, and Kimberly Weed of Northampton, PA; six grandchildren, Brittany Vitelli, F. David Smiley Jr., Alfred Smiley, Nathaniel Smiley, Stephanie Brunetto, and Nicole Brunetto; and six great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380, followed by her Funeral Service at 11:00 am.

Interment will be in Philadelphia Memorial Park Frazer, PA.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com

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