Maria Baldwin

MARIA BALDWIN   Maria Baldwin, 89, of International Falls, MN, passed away of natural causes at her home on Saturday, September 14, 2024,  Maria (Weiss) was born on January 21, 1935, to Anna Weiss in Nandlstadt, Bavaria, Germany. She and her mother immigrated from Germany in late December of 1949, and journeyed to Littlefork, MN, when she was 14 years old. They resided there for a short time with relatives before settling in International Falls.  Maria was employed as a bookkeeper at Ace Hardware after graduating from Falls High School. During this time, she met Charles Baldwin, and they were united in marriage on March 12, 1955. Upon having their children, Richard and Susan, Maria became a full-time homemaker to care for her family.  When Maria, Charles and their family moved out to the Pelland Junction area she was an active participant in caring for and maintaining the farm, animals and crops alike. She was often involved in daily chores, helping with bailing and throwing hay, and on a number of occasions retrieved the 'escapees'. The animals were drawn to her gentle nature and would readily come to her vs. others.  Maria enjoyed and excelled at gardening, cooking, baking, and playing cards. She tended multiple large gardens and hosted family gatherings for as long as she was able. She was an avid collector of recipes and a voracious reader, but most of all she loved caring for her family. She was a faith-filled dedicated member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church throughout her life and was the official 'gravy maker' there for a number of years in her younger days.  Maria was a devoted loving wife of 63 years to Charles, an exceptionally loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was kind, quiet, wise, nurturing, giving and completely selfless when it came to her family and others. Yet, she was strong and was the rock of her family. Maria found special joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she will be missed dearly.  She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Anna and John Ward; husband, Charles; son, Richard Baldwin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Chester, Wesley & MaryAnn, Frances & Bernice, Arnold & Helen, Mardella & Albin, Clara & John, and Lucinda; dear nieces and a nephew, and a number of friends.  Maria is survived by her daughter, Susan (Jeff) Bruce; daughter-in-law, Dena Baldwin; grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Stephenson, Jamie Hendrickson, Mandy (Mike) Barber, Melany (Alvin) Hasbargen, Cody Isensee, Jordan (Hannah) Christianson, Molly Baldwin (Shane Thramer); great-grandchildren, Charles & Graham Stephenson, Jayden & Shelby Barber, Greyson & Hadlee Hasbargen, Avery & Lincoln Sheasby; as well as many nieces and nephews, and special "grand dogs" she enjoyed and spoiled.  A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in International Falls. Visitation will be held one hour prior to mass.  Interment will be in the VFW section of Forest Hill Cemetery in International Falls following.