It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our dear mother, sister and friend. Born April 8, 1928, to her parents Frances Stritmater and Augustin Dombek, Agnes grew up in the Dutchtown section of Haverstraw, New York.
The family often teased her about being the “Queen of Haverstraw.” Eventually Agnes moved to Sloatsburg, New York where she was employed by the AVON Corporation. She met and married Norman Baker and they became the parents of two sons, Norman Jr. and Mark. They built their home on Lime Kiln Road and had many happy days living there. Agnes and Norm enjoyed water skiing on Greenwood Lake in their boat Lil’Agony. Sadly after ten years of marriage, Norman Sr. passed away but Agnes carried on as both mother and father. Several years later Agnes met Thomas McCaffrey who filled her life once again with happiness. Agnes enjoyed life’s simple pleasures such as gardening, relaxing on her deck watching the wild life, going to Cape Cod with her husband Tom, and joining the brigade of “snowbirds” when they would spend the cold winter months in Del Ray Beach, Florida.
One highlight was the gathering of the Dombek Clan when all the family would arrive at their home to celebrate Thanksgiving, coming from Virginia and upstate New York. There were lots of “do you remember when” stories, teasing and joke telling. One highlight was when Tom would flip the switch and the huge tree in their front yard would be ablaze with Christmas lights. Such wonderful memories!
Agnes’ husband of 48 years Thomas McCaffrey recently died. She is survived by her devoted son Mark, his wife Rosicel and their daughter Katherine; her sister Mary and husband Franck Boynton; her sister Helen and husband Lennie Terris; nephews Matthew Green and Frank Dombek; nieces Joanne Sampson, Karen Uszenski, and Katie Lewin; stepdaughter Sharon Eremita; and stepson Stephen McCaffrey and his wife Ginny.
She was also predeceased by her husband Norman Baker, her son Norman Baker, Jr., her mother Frances Stritmater, her father Augustin Dombek, her stepmother Philomena Dombek, her brother Frank Dombek, and her stepdaughters Susan Powers and Lynn Frank.
A funeral mass will be Friday August 9, at 10am at Holy Name of Mary Church, 89 Union St., Montgomery.
Interment will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Haverstraw, New York.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice, for the kindness and gentle care. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
“Our sweet Agnes, you may no longer be physically with us but we know you are still watching over us. We love you. We miss you. We will never forget you.”
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.
For directions or condolences please visit millspaughfuneralhome.com