Anne (Maish) Baldwin

Anne (Maish) Baldwin was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 5, 1926. She went into the arms of her loving Savior in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on April 8, 2022.

Anne attended Ohio University and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. During her twenties, she worked for five years as a marketing representative for Proctor & Gamble. She also met the love of her life, William “Bill” Eugene Baldwin, and the two were married on June 21, 1952.

Six children followed, but they didn’t slow Anne down for long. She eventually returned to school, this time at Oakland University. In 1972, the same year her eldest son Scott graduated from high school, she completed her degree in education. Anne joyfully taught elementary and middle school for 15 years, many of them alongside her daughter-in-law Pauline. She retired from teaching in 1987 and later moved with Bill to Carolina Trace, a vibrant golfing community in Sanford, NC. The couple spent two wonderful decades there and developed life-long friendships. Anne was also a regular volunteer at local soup kitchens. After Bill’s passing in 2013, she moved back to Michigan to live with her daughter Kate and son-in-law Ingo.

Anne loved to read and travel. She rarely missed the chance to root for her Detroit Tigers, Pistons, and Lions. She loved to swim, and when that was no longer possible, she happily settled for water aerobics. She had a passion for bridge; she played the game for 82 years and was still playing on the last day she spent with us. She was a fantastic conversationalist and remained curious and engaged with the world until the end of her life.

Anne is survived and beloved by her six children, Scott (Debbie Guinn) Baldwin, Beth Johnston (Ralph) Muller, Brad (Kris) Baldwin, Chuck (Susan) Baldwin, Matt (Lisa) Baldwin, Kate (Ingo) Diepholz; 11 grandchildren, Laura (Carson) Reinke, Kelly (Buck) Heid, Andy (Morgan) Baldwin, Daniel (Allie) Baldwin, Addie Johnston, Kirstin Diepholz, Karsen Diepholz, Hunter Baldwin, Will Baldwin, Hailey Baldwin, Ellie Baldwin; and six great-grandchildren, Braden Baldwin, Sadie Reinke,    Blakely Baldwin, James Heid, Renee Reinke, Eddie Heid. She was always meaningfully involved in their lives, and kept in touch through frequent visits, phone calls, and letters. Her compassion, humor, and generosity also touched the lives of countless others. Her faith, service, and devotion to family and friendships will not be forgotten. Anne never met a stranger; they were all just friends she was getting to know for the first time. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Spectrum Health Hospice & Palliative Care, 100 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503, who took such loving and unselfish care of Anne during her last days.

Condolences can be made to gerstfuneralhomes.com. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Robert’s of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301 on May 21, 2022, at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow. There will be an opportunity to share with family from 10:00 – 11:00am prior to the service.