Alete D. Baer

July 19, 1941 - May 31, 2020

Thank you for taking the time to read about my Mom. I feel so fortunate to be able to tell you about Alete (rhymes with feet). My Mom was a Pennsylvania native who lived her whole life in the greater Harrisburg area. She graduated with top grades from John Harris High School and went on to earn a cosmetology license (which is still current!). She was working for Bowman’s Department Store when on December 31, 1961 she went on a double date with one of her best friends, Diana, and met my father for the first time. Except he was Diana’s date! But my Mom knew he was the one for her and told Diana “Hands off, he’s mine!”. My parents married 3 months later and went on to build a life and family together in Camp Hill. After my Dad retired from the Railroad, they bought a fifth wheel and spent many years volunteering as campground hosts at several local State Parks. They had many enjoyable nights around the campfire making new friends and sharing laughs while performing lighthearted pranks on each other. They also visited family and friends throughout the United States and traveled to such far away places as Alaska and Sweden. My Mom enjoyed crafts, especially making beaded flower arrangements. She even patiently taught others the intricate art and filled the house with her creations. She also took up ceramics for many years. She loved classical music, Broadway shows and musical movies. Her favorites were Fiddler on the Roof and Man of La Mancha. Mom’s morning ritual was a cup of coffee with French Vanilla creamer and an Everything Bagel with butter and cream cheese. And she loved ANYTHING chocolate. Although like everyone she had her flaws, at her core she was a kind and caring wife and mother who leaves behind her loving husband of 58 years (Herbert Baer of New Cumberland) and their two daughters (Lisa D Richwine Baer of New Bloomfield, PA and her husband Bart, and Lori Alete Orslene of Pensacola, Florida and her husband Damian) along with an adoring cat (Buddy) and a brother (Adley Eisen of Hummelstown, PA). There are also numerous friends, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren who will mourn her passing. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider planting a tree or making a donation in her name to a local animal rescue organization such as the Helen O. Krause Animal Foundation, Inc. (HOKAFI) PO Box 311, Mechanicsburg PA 17055-0311 or the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 101, Harrisburg PA 17110. My mom loved trees and birds, so whenever you are outside, please take a moment, breathe deeply and think fondly of my Mom; Mrs. Alete Diane Baer. I know I will every chance I get. Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, internment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville PA will occur at a future date. A remembrance celebration will also occur at a future date at Colonel Denning State Park.