Justine Marie Baker

Justine Marie Baker (née Murphy), of Abington, PA, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, surrounded by family.
Justine was born in Albany, NY, the daughter of Edward and Florence Murphy (both deceased). She and her sister, Karen McClevey (deceased), grew up with a large extended family, surrounded by cousins, aunts, and uncles. They all shared a camp at Burden Lake, where they spent their free time and summers.
She attended Catholic schools in the Albany area before attending the College of Saint Rose, graduating with a Bachelor of Science. She went on to attend Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School in Richmond, VA, graduating with a Master of Microbiology.
Justine met Donald Lee Baker in Ocean City, NJ, while renting a room from his parents, Hiram and Mary Baker. Justine and Don wed on October 18, 1969, in Fall Church, VA. They settled in the greater Philadelphia area, eventually choosing Abington, PA, as their primary residence. Once married, Justine gave birth to two children, Justin and Karen (Malfara). She was a wonderful mom who nurtured her children with love while imparting valuable life lessons.
Professionally, Justine started her career in the pharmaceutical industry. She quickly decided it was not her calling and began a career as a college professor, teaching at many area schools, including Villanova and Penn State University. Justine continued teaching at Penn State until her retirement. Over her decades of teaching, she was able to directly impact the lives of thousands of students.
Justine was blessed with four grandchildren: Matthew, Sean and Clare Malfara, and Sarah Baker. She loved being a grandma and enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, often watching them overnight and taking them on trips. Grandma always knew how to show them a good time and make them laugh.
Throughout her life, Justine was an avid traveler. The Baker family had a motorhome, which they used to travel throughout North America, including trips to Yellowstone, Disney World, Nova Scotia, and many others. She was also a good sport about regular family ski trips to the Poconos and Vermont. Once retired, Justine and Don traveled extensively throughout Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. They also spent many years as "snowbirds," spending the winter in Naples, FL, enjoying the sunshine and avoiding the cold PA winter. To celebrate Justine and Don's 30th wedding anniversary, they took the whole family on a two-week Alaskan cruise.
A devout Catholic, Justine was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Abington, PA, for decades. Her attendance at weekly Mass and holy days of obligation was unprecedented. Even when traveling throughout the world, she always went to church locally. She also regularly attended weekly novenas at the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Cheltenham, PA. Justine's faith was a major part of who she was, and she embodied the best aspects of the Catholic Church.
Justine's other hobbies included nature, wildflowers, birds, and spending time outside. She volunteered at Briar Bush Nature Center in Abington for many years, cultivating these interests. She was an active member of the American Association of University Women and greatly enjoyed spending time with her AAUW friends. Until recently, she volunteered at Abington Library, helping with children's programming and book sales. Justine had many interests, but she always made time for her family and friends.
Justine is mourned by her husband, children, son- and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held on February 1, 2025, at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church at 605 West Street Road, Warminster, PA 18974. The viewing will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:30 AM.