Ethel Baden was born in Newark, New Jersey, where she attended public school and New Jersey State Teachers College (now Kean University). She then followed her own path by completing a baccalaureate in English at New York University. She worked as an editorial assistant in New York, where she was introduced to her future husband, Paul. They were married in 1964 and later moved to Marshfield.

Ethel stayed home to raise her daughter Carole while serving as an active volunteer with FISH, driving elderly community members to medical appointments. When Carole started kindergarten, she got a job as a tutor at Daniel Webster Elementary, teaching supplemental classes in reading skills (with lots of poetry thrown in) and science.

A self-taught and talented cook, she prepared dishes from around the world and sought out great produce from local farmers. She was passionate about the natural world on the South Shore, and she treasured walks with friends in beautiful natural places like Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, World's End, and the Marshfield and Duxbury shoreline. She loved finding new plants and insects she hadn't yet discovered.

She loved music, especially classical and folk, and attended all the live concerts with Paul that she possibly could. When Paul's multiple sclerosis became more advanced, she became his fiercely devoted and tireless caregiver.

In later life she found new work that jived with her interests. As a lifelong reader, she spent hours surrounded by books in her part-time work at Barnes and Noble. She also found a short-term position at the Harvard Department of Entomology, mounting insect specimens and doing outreach to other entomology departments.

In addition to beloved lifelong friends, Ethel leaves behind her daughter Carole, Howard Baden, William and Cherie Baden, Joan Dunn, and their children and spouses.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield, followed by interment in the Couch Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Mass Audubon Society, your local public radio or TV station, or any organization that is meaningful to you.