Obituary of Carolyn T. Baum

LITTLE FALLS – Mrs. Carolyn T. Baum, age 74, a longtime East Monroe Street resident in the city, passed away with her beloved family at her side, on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Little Falls Hospital. Born, Carolyn Taraska, June 29, 1948, in Utica, New York, she was the daughter of the late Mathew and Frances M. (Penc) Taraska and grew up with her sister, Romana. She attended St. Francis de Sales High School, Utica, graduating ‘Class of 1966.’ Then, having went on to attend Utica College of Syracuse University, with membership within the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, she graduated there ‘Class of 1970,’ the recipient of a BA in English. On June 20, 1970, she was united in marriage to Neil F. Baum, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Utica, New York, a blessed union of over 52 years. Together they raised their daughter, Karen Renee Baum. Carol was fortunate to retire in the year 2012, having a wonderful work career that spanned from teaching 3rd grade at Annunciation Catholic School, in Ilion, New York, a special education teacher at Newark High School, in Newark, Delaware and finalizing her working career with Little Falls Hospital, a 25 plus year stay within the business office there. Carol spent so much time with her husband Neil, pursuing very special hobbies and interests, first and foremost enjoying Disney World in Orlando, Florida, four weeks every year. She was always enjoying the sport of golf, travelling and attending the Glimmerglass Opera. She was a devoted fan to Michigan Football and Hockey, Utica College Hockey and Liverpool FC (soccer). Her family was the center of her life and her house was always decorated ever so elegantly around the holiday seasons. Her presence will forever be remembered. She is survived by her family: her husband, Neil; her daughter and son-in-law, Karen Baum and husband, Wes Seluka, of Watertown, Massachusetts; her sister, Ramona Cleary, of Marcy, New York; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Thomas Baum and wife, Carol, of Little Falls, New York; a brother-in-law, Robert Taylor, of Cape Cod, Massachusetts; her cousin, Francine Smith, of New York Mills, New York; nieces, Janice and Erik Grabowski, of Maine, Renay Bradley and daughters, of CA, Jessica and Sean Moone and sons, of MA and Robyn Lopez, of Utica; nephews, Alix and Vinsent Brucker, of Marcy; along with many surviving family cousins and friends. Carolyn spent many moments of friendship with Ruth McGraw and her family looks upon this gratefully. She was predeceased by her parents, Mathew and Frances; and a sister-in-law, Dr. Barbara Baum Taylor. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street, in Little Falls and at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Family Parish Church, located at 763 E. Main Street/corner of John St., Little Falls, NY, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Brian Slezak, Pastor. There are calling hours on Friday, Oct. 21st, from 5-7 p.m., at the Monroe Street Funeral Home. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the calling hours and Funeral Services. Interment will be at the family discretion, at a later time. It is the wish of the family that donations in loving memory of Carolyn Baum be considered to the Little Falls Food Pantry, 45 Furnace Street, Little Falls, New York, 13365, or the Holy Family Parish Church, 763 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY 13365. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home for this purpose and this is encouraged over floral offerings. Arrangements have been coordinated with longtime family friends, Funeral Directors, Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Little Falls, New York, (315) 823-2424. Those wishing are encouraged to view a memorial webpage in her honor established at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.