Donna Mae "(Sweetie Pie)" Baldwin

BALDWIN, DONNA MAE (nicknamed Sweetie Pie); born in Detroit, MI, on October 20, 1932; went home to be with our heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and her dear husband, James Baldwin, on November 11, 2013. Donna was born and raised in Michigan and lived a good part of her life in the same Rochester neighborhood where her husband and she raised their children. She and Jim retired in South Carolina and Florida. She was a school teacher prior to having children, and then she was a stay home mom. She received her education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI and the University of Miami in Miami, FL. She loved to teach children, especially her own. She especially loved the English language and once wrote a letter to the editor expressing the correct definition of "kids." She commented that "kids," as defined in the dictionary, are baby goats, not children. The beautiful characteristics of Donna were her love and affection for her family and her zest for adventure. She loved to swim, sail, ride horses, travel, read, plant flowers, and much more. Her sense of humor enabled her through the hard times of life and she blessed her family and friends with her cute expressions, such as, "Keep the faith, baby!" She kept the faith herself even into her last days on this earth. Although she struggled with her illness, she lovingly would care for others and would ask, "Are you okay? Keep the faith, baby." Donna will be remembered by the love and affectionate she gave through all the good and hard times of life. She loved Jesus and God and looked forward to being with Him and her husband, Jim. They were married 54 years. She now rests in peace there. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, James Baldwin; and daughter, Susan (Baldwin) Gillett; and her husband, Curt Gillett. Donna is survived by daughter, Lisa Baldwin and her son, Naji Baldwin-Shahin; son, Richard Baldwin and his wife, Michelle (Atkinson) Baldwin and their children, Kyle, Davis and Lucy Baldwin; Calvin and Jamie Gillett, sons of Susan and Curt Gillett; and brother, Ed Knorr. A Memorial Service was held on November 17, 2013 and Burial took place at the Suttons Bay Township Cemetery. Please share memories with Donna Mae's family at their online obituary at
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Arrangements were with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.