Helen Baldwin

In Loving Memory of Helen Louise Carlson Baldwin

Helen Louise Carlson Baldwin, beloved wife, mother, and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on May 15, 1933, in Rupert, Idaho, Helen brought joy, compassion, and creativity into the lives of all those who knew her.

Faith, family and music were at the core of Helen’s life.  She met Ken, her beloved husband of 70 years, at church while playing the organ.  Her faith allowed her to plan for their wedding while Ken was travelling back from his deployment to Korea under secrecy orders.  She knew in her heart which ship Ken would return on and arranged for his family and her to meet his ship, the only car to greet a ship with hundreds of soldiers.  She made plans that took them from California to Idaho Falls, where they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 8, 1953, with a time frame that allowed no margin for error.  Her unwavering faith was rewarded with a marriage that lasted for decades.  Helen reveled in being a homemaker, taking care of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was kindhearted and generous, not just to her family, but to everyone she met.

Deeply rooted in her faith, Helen was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She found great fulfillment in serving others through the Relief Society, where she held positions such as Stake Relief Society President and Primary President. Helen's dedication extended to her temple work, where she served as a temple worker for 16 years, bringing blessings to countless lives. She served a service mission at the Lindon Bishop’s warehouse and worked in the Member Locator office for many years.  Her musical talent was also a blessing to her congregation, as she skillfully played the organ and piano during church services.

Helen loved music and was an accomplished pianist and organist. She was always finding new, creative arrangements to play.  She also had a passion for flowers and transformed her home with colorful flowers and flourishing plants. She also loved to work with her hands and learned an impressive number of crafts, including tatting, needlepoint, crochet, sewing, knitting and weaving.  Despite facing numerous physical challenges throughout her life, Helen's resilience and determination shone through. At a young age she battled polio. Defying the doctors' expectations, through strength and determination, she surpassed their predicted short life expectancy. Her unwavering spirit served as an inspiration to those who knew her. Despite her challenges, Helen chose to be happy and was a blessing to all those around her.

Helen is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Baldwin, her children: Katherine (Ron) Anderson, Duane (Lisa) Baldwin, Mariane (“Toby”) O'Bryant and Lorraine (Anthony) George 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, her siblings: Arva Carlson, Maxine (Gary) Thompson, and Blair Carlson.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Elmer Fred Carlson and Harvey Lee Carlson, and her grandchildren Jeremy Byron George and Melissa Susan Anderson. Her family shared a lifetime of love, support, and cherished memories. Helen's kind-heartedness and gentle nature will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Funeral services will be held on February 15, 2024, at the Hillcrest 4th Ward at 680 N. Nathan Barnes Street in American Fork. A public viewing will begin at 9:45 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. The burial will take place at 600 North Center Street, American Fork, Utah, at 12:15 pm.

We will remember Helen as a woman of faith, creativity, and resilience. May her legacy continue to inspire us to live our lives with love, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

Please click on the link below to watch Helen's funeral service via live stream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82144161840?pwd=V3daWEV6MTdhdVpOU2JVR3FrSWJqZz09