Conne (Susco) Baker

June 2, 1949 - January 29, 2021

Conne (Susco) Baker ,71, died on Friday after a brief illness. She was born in Crouse Hospital and lived on the North Side of Syracuse her entire life. She was Baptized and made her First Communion at Our Lady of Pompei Church, but spent most of her adult life a member of Holy Trinity on Park Street. Most recently she attended Blessed Sacrament to be closer to her beloved grandchildren, the light of her life. She married the love of her life, John, when they were just teenagers, traveling by bus to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, while he was in the Marine Corps. They spent the next 53 years together, building a life that centered around their family. Conne never graduated high school, but many years later she earned her GED, and eventually worked to receive her certificate as a Veterinary Technician. While she never worked in that field, she was a lifelong lover of all animals, and after her beloved Bassett Hound, Oscar, passed away, she spent the rest of her years taking care of several cats that she adopted from the cold and gave a loving home. No animal would suffer or go hungry on her watch. Conne was a constant presence at Holy Trinity, working in the cafeteria while her children attended there, and supported the school and the church in every way she could. She loved children, and after hers moved on she became a lunch aide, first at Cathedral School downtown, and then for the Syracuse City School District at Franklin Elementary for many years before she retired. A devout Catholic and proud Italian, her family was everything to her. Her pride in her children and grandchildren was evident to anyone who would listen. Every accomplishment was celebrated, every disappointment was consoled with warm hugs and a good meal. She loved Christmas, and every corner of her house showed her stamp of love. Family photos grace every room. Christmas cookies were started before Thanksgiving, and the Christmas Eve feast was the light of each year. There was never a plant that she couldn’t grow (or save), and her yard was a blanket of beautiful flowers every Spring and Summer. She brought life and light and love to everything she touched. Friends of her children and grandchildren became instant family. Her deep love and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Conne is survived by her mother Mary (Massimiani) Susco; John, her loving and devoted husband of 53 years; her son John and her daughter Mary (Brian) Kavanagh; 5 beautiful grandchildren, Jack, Sarah, Michael, Kate and Megan; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, John Susco, in 1990 and her brother, Andy Susco, in 2019. A special thank you to the wonderful team of nurses and doctors at Crouse Hospital ICU, who showed Conne compassion and tender care in her final days.