Alice Baird, Grumman mathematician, teacher dies at 83

Alice Morgan Baird of Syosset, a mathematician and former employee of the Grumman Aerospace Corp. in Bethpage, who also taught in the Manhasset school district, has died. She was 83.

Baird died in her sleep March 27, her daughter Barbara Miller said.

Baird was born in Windsor, Conn., where she was valedictorian of her class at John Fitch High School, her family said. She then earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Connecticut College for Women.

After graduation she taught math at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, then worked as a mathematician in the research department of Grumman in the 1950s. There she met Eugene Baird, whom she married. The couple had three children.

Baird later worked as an assistant math teacher in the Manhasset school district until she retired, Miller said.

Baird called Syosset home for 60 years and was active in several organizations, including Daughters of the American Revolution, Homemakers Council of Nassau County and Manhasset School Retirees.

She often studied her family history and memorized the names of her ancestors, Miller said, adding that Baird was a distant cousin of banker J.P. Morgan.

Miller remembered her mother as an adventurous nurturer who enjoyed the company of friends and who looked forward to Long Island summers.

"She really enjoyed life and made people feel good," Miller, 58, said. "She would welcome people into her home and made them feel like they were special."

Baird knew how to make math fun and cultivated a love for the subject in her children, Miller said. Baird also enjoyed visiting New York City museums, listening to classical music, and taking family sailing trips from Oyster Bay to Cold Spring Harbor.

Survivors include her children, Miller of Portland, Ore., George Baird, of Falls Church, Va., and Elizabeth Huber, of Warnerville, N.Y.; and three sisters, Mary Turner, of Shortsville, N.Y., Jean Alford, of Windsor, Conn., and Gayle Baldwin, of Wethersfield, Conn. Her marriage ended in divorce after 30 years.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at Faith Lutheran Church in Syosset.

Baird's family is asking that donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church.