Renee Elizabeth Lewis Middleton Baltimore passed away peacefully in her home in Nyack early Wednesday morning surrounded by family and friends. Renee was the daughter of Edward Russell Middleton and Edna Mae Lewis. She was born on March 8, 1947 at the Philadelphia Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was the only child to Edward and Edna.

In 1961, Renee moved to Elmsford, New York and lived with her aunt and uncle, Franzena and Lewis Mitchell. There, she attended Alexander Hamilton High School, graduating in 1965. Renee joined the IBM Corporation in 1965, where she had the opportunity to move to Palo Alto, California on a three-year assignment. She returned to New York in 1975. Seven years later, in February of 1982, Renee met Stewart Baltimore, Jr. who came to sell her auto and life insurance. Renee and her daughter Cañada instantly fell in love with him. As Renee would tell the story, Stew's presentation was so good, she married him 364 days later. The two purchased their home in Nyack two weeks after they were wed and moved in July of 1983.

In 1987, Renee left IBM to fill a bigger role in her life -- that of a wife and mother. This was new and different, and she loved having the opportunity to raise her children from home. Soon both Stewart and Renee were well ensconced in the community working with the Valley Cottage Indians sports programs, attending karate classes as well as working on various committees for the Nyack Public School district.

Renee enjoyed the privilege of being with her husband and children as well as working in the school district with other young people. She always wanted to do her best with the kids motivating them to keep a positive attitude and assisting them in doing their best work. Renee thanks each and every individual who came her way and is grateful to those who mentored her and assisted her in any way. She is appreciative to all of the children who gave her hugs and the faculty members who she had the privilege of working with.

Renee was a member of First Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Nyack where she served faithfully as the president of the O.T. Moore Mass Choir. She enjoyed being in the choir and having an opportunity to praise God through her singing. Renee felt blessed to be able to spread love to her church members and is thankful to Pastor Newton for his dedication and hard work to the church.

Everyone loved her for who and what she was -- simply Renee. She believed whole heartedly in the lyrics "If I can help somebody as I pass along then my living shall not be in vain". Renee is survived by her five children: Donovan Mitchell (cousin), Canada, Olivia, Bryan and Terrence as well as cousins, family and friends.

The wake will be from 3pm-6pm on Saturday, March 16th at Hannemann Funeral home located at 88 South Broadway in Nyack. The home going service will be held on Sunday, March 17th at 3:30 PM at Berea 7th Day Adventist Church under the care of First Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Newton. The church is located at 67 South Broadway in Nyack. In lieu of flowers, we are asking that any donations be made to the Nyack Valley Cottage Indians.