Mrs. Elsie (Metz) Baum, of Top Notch Drive, wife of Louis W. Baum, Jr., passed away on Thursday afternoon, August 31, 2006 in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, New York on her 67th birthday. With her family by her side during her stay at Bassett, Elsie's passing ended a courageous 29 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born on August 31, 1939 in Salisbury Center, New York daughter of the late William K. and Frances J. (Sheehan) Metz. Elsie began her education at the former Church Street School and she graduated from Little Falls High School in 1957. While in high school, she served as head majorette of the Little Falls High School Band. On July 22, 1961, Elsie was united in marriage with Louis W. Baum, Jr., at St. Mary?s Church in Little Falls. Father Thomas Connery renewed their vows on their 25th wedding anniversary. Over their 45 years of devotion, loyalty and wonderful friendship, the couple's steadfast relationship was a complement to each other's attitude, personality and life. Before becoming a stay at home mother, Elsie was employed by Marine Midland Bank in Utica as a secretary. Elsie considered her family to be the foremost priority and main focus in her life. As a woman who possessed truly admirable strength of character, great determination, and purposeful focus, she looked beyond her illness and devoted herself to relationships both within and beyond her family circle. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and participated in various events in their lives. Because of her strong will, her natural abilities as a caretaker and her unshakable commitment to her family, she excelled in the roles of wife, mother and grandmother, demonstrating her very best in times of need. As such, she was greatly loved, honored and respected by her family and friends who will also cherish her in fond and lasting memories. As Elsie accomplished success among family she also did so within the community. In her earlier years she served as secretary of the P.T.A. of Monroe Street School and was also a Brownie leader. Her dedicated association with the Lady Elk's earned her the role of president in the year of 1976, which was the bicentennial year. During that same year she helped establish the Lady Elk's Cookbook. With her unique sense of history, Elsie was a member of the Salisbury Historical Society and the Little Falls Historical Society. Elsie had many interests that centered around her artistic skills. Crafts were her passion and her house was the perfect display of her talents. She was the proud host of the "Strawberry Kitchen" craft sale for several years. She took immense pride in preparing and decorating for all holidays and seasons. Upon entering her home her love for dolls could not go unnoticed. Over the years she has built an extensive collection of over 100 dolls. A talented painter, Elsie took pride in her works of watercolor and oil paintings. She and her husband always enjoyed visiting garage sales and antique stores throughout the Mohawk Valley to add to their antique collection. Elsie also enjoyed bird watching. She often took part in a Cornell University bird counting project. She also found much enjoyment in taking long rides in the countryside to view nature and the local scenery. Survivors include her beloved husband: Louis of the home address; three adored children: Michelle M. Baum of Middletown, Maureen A. Baum of Clifton Park and Kevin J. Baum and wife Heather D. Baum of Philadelphia; one cherished granddaughter: Dabney Sheehan Baum; nieces and nephews: Tiffany Sargent, Mark Jones and Monica O'Reilly; and many cousins including her special cousins Patti Vail of Little Falls and Edward Hughes of Liverpool; in-laws: Carol J. Baum of Little Falls, Dorothy Sargent of Syracuse, and Eleanor Jones and husband George of Goleta, CA. She also leaves a host of wonderful friends including: Donna Schofield, Kathy Johns, Noreen Zysk, Carolyn Baum, Betty Petkovsek, Sunny Battelini, and Rosalie Ferraro. Elsie also leaves two very special feline companions: Dolly and Pumpkin. She was predeceased by her in-laws: Louis W. Baum, Sr., and Mary J. Baum; three very close aunts: Ruamy Spraker, Mary G. Baum, and Frances Marosek. The Baum family would like to express their gratitude to the medical staff of Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown and Herkimer for their professional and compassionate care. Also a very special thank you to the many friends and relatives for their kind acts of sympathy. Visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, will be from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2006. Elsie's funeral will commence at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 from the chapel of the Enea Family Funeral Home where prayer will be offered by Sister Marilyn Hayes, CSJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Father Connery at 10 a.m. on Tuesday from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Streets, Little Falls. Funeral procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer where she will be laid to rest. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial donations may be sent to the Community Animal Program, (C.A.P.) 15 Jackson St., Little Falls, NY 13365 or Salisbury Historical Society, 109 State Rt. 29A, Salisbury Center, NY, 13454 or envelopes may be obtained from Nancy Rutigliano, memorial donation coordinator at the funeral home. Elsie was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. She fought a courageous battle that could never bring her down. During her 67 years of life, Elsie maintained a positive attitude while putting the needs of others before her own. This is the way she would have liked to be remembered by her family and friends. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.