Cathy Lynn Baldwin-Dyckman

Cathy Lynn Baldwin-Dyckman, 72 years old of New Britain, Connecticut, passed away peacefully early in the morning at the Hospital of Central Connecticut on March 30, 2024. Her loving partner of 38 years, Rada, was at her side. The last few months had been filled with countless hospital visits that led to a severe decline in her health. She was diagnosed long ago with very complicated conditions that she lived with. Over the years and over time, they took their toll.

Cathy was born on October 21, 1951, in Queens, NY, to Constance Marie Larsen and Maynard Fulton Baldwin. Her family later moved to the City of Peekskill, NY, where she grew up. She graduated from Peekskill High School in 1969 and went on to pursue degrees in Music and Education at Western Connecticut State University.

She is survived by her wife, Rada Elegant and her four children -Elizabeth, Ruth and William and her step-daughter, Haley, as well as her brother Chip and sister Cara.

On her last vocal day, with her hospital room full of friends and family, Cathy opened her blue eyes wide, looked around and said, "What's going on here? A croaking party?!?!" Always a woman of colorful humor, she was quick to crack jokes in any situation! This even proved to be true on her deathbed. She loved to uplift those around her. She was an exceedingly kind soul who sought to make a difference in her personal and professional life.

She worked for many years as a music teacher in the Peekskill School District sharing her gifts, talents, and joy of music. After having children, she became heavily involved in children's ministry and was an active member and volunteer at the Peekskill Presbyterian Church. She furthered her work in ministry at the historical Union Church of Pocantico Hills where she met her partner, Rada. The two have been together since 1986. She went on to work for what was then Girl Scouts of Westchester*Putnam Council as its Outreach and Membership Specialist. She touched hundreds of lives - both girls and adult volunteers - and was beloved by all those she so selflessly served. In 2008, Cathy and Rada retired to Cape Cod, MA, where she happily gave her time to the South Yarmouth Methodist Church, Bayberry Quilters of Cape Cod and the Mid-Cape Chorus. They moved to New Britain in 2021.

She truly had a gift for understanding people and building authentic and beautiful relationships. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life at the Peekskill Presbyterian Church on June 8, 2024, at 11:00. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service to all who are in attendance.