Joan Baldino

Joan Baldino, of Fairfax Station, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 29, 2025.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Baldino, and her parents, Raymond and Kathleen Kohler.
Born into an Army Air Corps family, Joan experienced a diverse childhood and spent her formative years in Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado, Southern California, and Ohio. She also went on a voyage across the Atlantic on the SS United States to Europe, spent time in England, and did a tour of Italy on the way to Libya, Guatemala and finally Washington, D.C. In Washington, she began her career and met the love of her life, Joe, while working at the Defense Intelligence Agency. A devoted wife and mother, Joan dedicated herself to raising her three children before returning to the workforce. She worked at Jostens and then Exxon Mobil, from where she retired as a project manager in 2012.
Joan was a lifelong learner and a woman of many talents. She graduated with a business degree from McCann's School of Business and, driven by a deep appreciation for the arts, earned an Associate Degree in Art History from Northern Virginia Community College. A gifted artist, Joan created ceramics, folk art, oil and watercolor pieces that are now treasured in the homes of family and friends. Her home in Fairfax Station was a warm and welcoming haven, known in the neighborhood and in the family for its open-door hospitality, joyful gatherings, and legendary home cooking. Joan graciously hosted countless holidays, bridal and baby showers, and for more than 40 years, she and a dear friend baked hundreds of Christmas cookies – a beloved tradition cherished by many.
Later in life, her biggest joy was being "Mimi" to her granddaughter Allison. This included binge watching every episode of NCIS, going out to lunch, and handing out Mimi $20s to help around the house. Joan was the adoring "fur-mommy" to her beloved little Piper and "Mimi" to Deirdre's cherished pup, Madison. She had a special way of showering love on every member of the family, two-legged and four.
Joan brought light and laughter wherever she went with her infectious sense of humor, boundless generosity, and unwavering support for those she loved. Her heart was as big as her spirit, and she always made those around her feel deeply cared for. She was delighted in spending time with those she loved. Though she is no longer with us, Joan's beautiful soul and legacy live on in all of us whose lives she touched. We will carry her love, her warmth, and her joy in our hearts forever.
She is survived by her sons Christopher, Eric (Kathleen), daughter Deirdre, and granddaughter, Allison. She is also survived by her brothers Ray (Lucy), Lee (Mary), and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews whom she loved dearly.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Service at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22032, Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Internment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be established.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Heart Association www.heart.org, Fairfax County Animal Shelter www.fairfaxcounty.gov, or Homeward Trails Animal Rescue www.homewardstrails.org.
For additional information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.fmfh.com