Baldwin, Leota "Lee'
Leota "Lee" Baldwin, 99, originally from Wisconsin Rapids passed away in blessed peace on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in Stevens Point, WI, where she had resided for the last six years.. Lee was born in Pittsville, WI, on August 6, 1914 and spent her childhood in Milwaukee.
Lee was united in marriage to the late Cecil Baldwin on June 15, 1933, in the town of Sigel. They lived in Wisconsin Rapids in a home that Cecil built and where they raised their three children, Wayne, Sherri and Lyn. Lee was employed by and retired from John H. Keel Photography following a lengthy career of dedicated service. She was a long time member of the Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church, where she sang in the choir with her family and enjoyed participating in the Madrigal productions.
In her leisure time, Lee enjoyed spending time outdoors, a good dip in the lake, sailing with Cecil, traveling to visit her children and family and listening to the crackle of a warm fire in her fireplace. She was a talented candle maker, making beautiful candles for friends and family and teaching many family members the craft. Some of her favorite times were at her kitchen table, drinking a cup of hot tea and watching the varied species of birds feed at the window on a ledge her husband built so the birds would be close to her. She dearly loved her pet dogs Smudgie and Pepper and her kitty, Lady Gwen. She enjoyed sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren, making wedding and bridesmaid dresses for family members. She enjoyed using her natural artistic gifts to create and design costumes and uniforms for baton twirling groups, dance recitals and theatre. She loved watching live theatre, dining out and listening to music.
Lee is survived by two daughters, Sherri Weller of Ocala, Florida; Lyn Passineau (Joe) of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin; and daughter-in-law, Nancy Baldwin of Wisconsin Rapids. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Tim Weller (Sandy) Meldodie and Jay Weller (Brenda), Forest and Dawn Passineau and Lori Baldwin Knapp There are seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Lee was preceded in death by her husband Cecil and son, Wayne Baldwin and also her siblings, Irene Gasch, Bud Wagner and Bob Olson.
The family requests that memorial gifts be given to Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center and Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church.
In honor of Lee's life, a celebration service will be held and announced at a later date.
Published in Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune on Feb. 14, 2014
