Mary C. Baker

Mary C. "Binka" Baker, 67, of Ephrata, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital. She was born on Sept. 14, 1958, in Greensburg. She was a daughter of the late G. Edward and Mary C. (Farrell) Loughran and the loving wife of James Baker. For many years, Mary worked as a nurse in various roles across esteemed healthcare institutions such as Jeannette Hospital, St. Agnes Hospital, and Lancaster General Hospital, where she excelled as a charge nurse and in other nursing titles. Her education, having earned an associate's degree in nursing from Westmoreland County Community College, prepared her for a career that was not merely a job but a calling to help. Mary found joy in making a difference in her patients' lives, embodying the very essence of caregiving. Family was of utmost importance to Mary, and she cherished every moment she had with them. She enjoyed cooking, making family traditions with Hungarian goulash and other amazing dishes; she enjoyed crafting, creating wreaths and other works of art. Mary will be dearly missed by her family and friends, who carry her spirit within them. In addition to her family activities, Mary was a former member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, showcasing her deep faith. She related to people with warmth and dedication, making it a priority to help those in need. Mary leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever resonate in the hearts of those she left behind. Mary is survived by her husband of 42 years, James Baker; two children, Melanie Baker and Patrick Baker (Kelly Rohrbach); two grandchildren, Elinore and Jameson Baker; and sisters, Jane E. Loughran, Donna A. Loughran, Susan M. Stueland, Theresa L. Loughran, and Cindy Loughran. She was preceded in death by her brothers, G. Michael Loughran and G. Edward Loughran Jr.; and her sister, M. Diane Loughran. A visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, followed by a prayer service at 6 p.m. at GRAVENOR SIPLER FUNERAL AND CREMATION CENTRE, located at 100 W. Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522, and an additional service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1011 Mt. Pleasant Road, Greensburg, PA 15601.