MARY PATRICIA BALDUS

MARY PATRICIA BALDUS, 89, of Fort Wayne, entered "our" Lord's eternal embrace on Monday, May 8, 2023. She was born July 5, 1933, in Ellicott ville, N.Y., a tiny ski village in the foothills of the Allegany Mountains. She was a graduate of Villa Maria College in Erie, Pa., Magna Cum Laude, with a B.S. in Home Economics. She then taught high school for four years in Euclid, Ohio. She married Hugh Joseph Baldus in 1959, and they resided in Fort Wayne, Ind. Later in life, they spent their summers at their home on Oliver Lake in Wolcottville, Ind. Mary put others first in her life, was a loving mother and a devoted, active grandmother. Starting in 1993, much of her life revolved around her cherished grandchildren, and she gave most generously of her time and effort to make her love for them unmistakably clear. "Nana" was adored by all eight of them. Mary was an accomplished piano player, and loved music, especially Jazz and Barbra Streisand. She had successful careers as a homemaker and then a business co-owner at The Baldus Company for 22 years. Her myriad talents included photography, downhill skiing, gardening, cooking, and running (winning her age group at several 10k races over the years). She was a voracious reader and shared a love of travel with her husband, especially to the City of New Orleans. She also had a tremendous sense of comedic timing and a lively, clever wit. Mary was quite active in the arts in Fort Wayne, serving within organizations such as the Fort Wayne Art Museum, Artlink, The History Center, and was a Past President of the Fort Wayne Art League. She also served on the board of the Mental Health Association, was a member of the Christ Child Society and Quest Club. She loved her bond with the LaGrange County Amish Community and enjoyed her many friendships among them. Mary rode "right seat" during much of Hugh's private pilot adventures, helping him navigate as they flew the family around the country visiting family, friends and new destinations. She was strongly and actively committed to her Catholic Faith. Her life revolved around her love for family and friends, and honoring God for the endless gifts He provides. She met struggles in her life with honor and dignity, even when it meant suffering from the effects of Dementia for the last several years of her life. Another legacy was her influence as co-owner of The Baldus Company. Hugh and Mary worked together faithfully, spending many long hours sustaining and growing the successful family business that is now owned and operated by a third generation of family members. Her clients often became friends, and her dedication to her customers and coworkers included compassion for their needs. With her participation, the business thrived. She is survived by daughter, Patricia Baldus (partner, Daniel Siefert); son, Hugh (Julie) Baldus II; son, George (Sarah) Baldus; and grandchildren, Hugh III, Casey, Georgia, Caroline, Dana, Paige, Keenan, and Griffin. She was prdceded in death by her husband, Hugh; parents, Frank and Teresa Marsh; brothers, Bob and Dick Marsh; sister, Joan Guerrein; and daughter, Joan Baldus. The family thanks Mary's friend and caregiver, Janet Turnbow, for her love and participation in the last several years of Mary's life. "We also thank the staff at Coventry Meadows Assisted Living, Heritage Pointe Memory Care and Eleos Hospice Care for going far beyond their duty, embracing and supporting Mary." Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1105 South Calhoun St., with visitation one hour prior. The Mass will be followed by a luncheon at Fort Wayne Country Club, 5221 Covington Road, starting at 11:30. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. Donations in her memory may be made to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art or Catholic Charities.