Lisa Baker Obituary

Lisa Baker, a spirited and compassionate soul, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 5, at the age of 73, following a lengthy illness.
Born on April 4, 1952, in Queens, NY, to Isaac and Estelle Baker, Lisa was a force of nature, shaped by her Jewish family upbringing and fueled by curiosity and tenacity.
Her third-grade report card remark, "Lisa does well, but she needs to stop telling others what to do," foreshadowed her Type-A personality – smart, headstrong, and ambitious.
A proud "Jersey girl" with roots in Fair Lawn, Lisa attended Northeastern University. In 1974 she graduated from William Patterson University in Wayne, NJ, with a teaching degree in special education.
Lisa's self-made career in software sales soared with success and fulfillment, reflecting her drive and passion.
On Sept 26, 2017, Lisa married her longtime companion and love Jimmy Haderthauer and for 12 years they lived in Mount Pleasant, SC.
Lisa found time to develop her mosaic of relationships, animals,, and adventures. She cherished socializing with friends, tending to her garden, and exploring the world.
Lisa's interests spanned from Broadway shows to weekend garage sales.
Her commitment to social justice took her to the 2018 Women's March in Washington, DC.
Honest, opinionated, and blessed with an infectious laugh, Lisa left an indelible mark on those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband Jimmy; brother Martin Baker; sister Ronda Baker; niece Tovah Orero Denfield; nephew Izak Orero; and a host of extended family.
Though no formal services are planned, Lisa's memory will live on through those she touched, the laughter she shared, and the love she embodied. Her spirit – strong, generous, and luminous – helped make the word a better place.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Star-Ledger from Oct. 17 to Oct. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Lisa Baker

Sponsored by The Family.

8 Entries

Bev Murphy

October 25, 2025

I met Lisa through East Cooper Newcomers. We were in Bunco club together. She rode with me sometimes. My fondest memory is when she came to my studio for a makeover. We laughed like school girls and had a great time together. May she rest in peace

Penny Owen

October 24, 2025

Lisa´s friendship meant the world to me. From the start, I found her to be honest, smart, and upfront, plus a little quirky. She showed such compassion toward animals of all kinds, just like I do. When I met her in Mt. Pleasant, SC, around 2012, we became fast friends, despite the fact that neither of us were seeking a close relationship. Then I found how well her insight and ideals aligned with mine and how much fun we had together. Lisa was refreshingly different from me, and she was just right as a friend.

In 2017, my husband Scotty and I had the privilege of witnessing the marriage of Lisa Baker and Jimmy Haderthauer in Las Vegas. I remember the joy in getting ready and how genuinely happy - and a little relieved - all of us were as we celebrated this meaningful weekend, especially the newlyweds.

Lisa had such a lust for travel and was a willing partner on most any trip. The two of us joined the 2018 Womens March in Washington, DC, and then spent a week in Manhattan, where we laughed and reminisced and saw `Hamilton.´

In her last several years, Lisa and Jimmy traveled in style to Croatia and western Canada, to name just two of their worldly adventures.

Supposedly, the older we get, the wiser we get; the more discriminating we are with our time. Lisa was a kindred spirit who peered head-on into whatever came next. Her brave example will stay with me forever.

Louise & David Guttman

October 23, 2025

Lisa was a wonderful woman
who always made her friends feel welcome in her home & in her heart. Lisa will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to Jim & His Family

DEBORAH SWAN-HALPIN

October 23, 2025

So many memories from MS years! I spent a lot of time at the Baker house!! I posted of FB about her dance shows in her basement that had me in awe of her talent. She was always a force!!
I never forgot Sunday mornings when I slept over. All the Jewish delicacies were lost on this Christian girl. I did eat a buttered bagel with grape jelly jelly that humored her parents!
Rest in peace, Lisa and I hope you are still dancing!
Thinking of you Rhonda and Marty!

Joanne G

October 23, 2025

Lisa was a special friend who will be dearly missed.

"Many people will walk in & out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart."

"You have made known to me the path of life; "You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."-Psalm 16:11