Joan M Baldwin

Joan Morgan Baldwin died peacefully on January 24 2021 after a brief illness. Born February 5, 1933, in Harrisburg, PA to Frederick Clark and Katherine Beidleman Morgan, she was an only child, though would tell you she was never lonely. She was a third generation Pennsylvanian. Her grandfather, Edward Beidleman, served as Lieutenant Governor of the state from 1919-1923.

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Alexander (Sandy) T. Baldwin, Jr. and her son, Alexander (Taylor) T. Baldwin III. She is survived by her children: Nina Baldwin and John Coles of Arlington, MA and Brooke Baldwin and Joseph Degrazia of Ridgefield, CT and Wellington, FL, and her grandchildren: Lillian and Morgan Coles and Brittany Degrazia.

Joan was a graduate of The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY and Briarcliff College in Briarcliff, NY. She met the love of her life, Sandy, in Chicago, IL and they married September 4, 1954. In 1959, she moved with her husband and children from Chicago to Bedford, NY where many of her in-laws lived and where she developed many lifelong friendships. She and Sandy moved to Stamford, CT in 2000 where they were very happy. She had a career as a model and photographer's assistant, as well as a stint at the alternative newsweekly, The Village Voice. Joan and Sandy adored entertaining and their house was usually filled with friends, visitors and family, many characters among them. She had numerous talents: painting, needlepointing, wallpapering, cooking, dancing, singing. She loved to travel and had many friends around the country and in Europe. Ever exceptionally glamorous, she was always impeccably turned out, even in her later years. But mostly, Joan treasured her family who adored her in return. She will be sorely missed.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Connecticut Food Bank, 2 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492 or The Special Olympics CT, 2666 State St #1, Hamden, CT 06517.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.