Elizabeth "Betty Frake" Baird

Elizabeth "Betty" Baird (nee Frake) of Burlington City passed away Tuesday September 2, 2025 at her residence. Betty was born in Riverside but was raised and spent her entire life in Burlington City. She was a graduate of Upsala College and also received her Master's Degree in education. She was a teacher in the Burlington City School System for over 60 years, following in the footsteps of her mother, mother in law and aunt. Originally she had planned to be a reporter, but a teaching position opened up and at her mother's suggestion tried it out and found her passion. She stayed in the profession because in her words "I really enjoy it, and I see how you can spark the creativity and the learning process in youngsters." Betty has taught second grade, fourth grade, gifted and talented, a summer school for immigrants and at the time of her passing was the director for adult education. She was also a member of the Friends of the Library Company of Burlington, the Friendly Institution, a trustee of the Burlington County Historical Society and a member of the Historic Preservation Commission. Betty was also the recipient of the 2012 Greater Burlington Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award. She was predeceased by her parents, Harvey and Kate (nee Horner) Frake. She is survived by her husband William Baird, daughters Alisa (Jim) McGuigan, Melanie (Leona Ryan) Cliver and Susan Cliver, her grandchildren; April (Andy), Tommy, Sara, Jimmy "JP", Brogan, Sam (Gloria), Charlie (Ayme), as well as her great grandchildren; Dahlia, Emma, Logan, Jaime, Peyton and Tiana. A viewing for Betty will be held Friday, September 19th from 6-8pm at the Page Funeral Home, 302 E. Union St., Burlington, NJ 08016. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated 11am Saturday September 20th in St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 145 West Broad St. Burlington. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Episcopal Churchyard, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to either the Library Company of Burlington, 23 West Union St., Burlington, NJ 08016 or to the Friendly Institute, PO Box 700 Burlington, NJ 08016 would be appreciated by her family.