Helen L. Baldwin

1932 - 2023

Helen L. Baldwin, 91, of Quincy, IL, passed away at 11:50 am Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Quincy Healthcare & Senior Living in Quincy, IL.

A visitation will be Friday, June 16, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy.

A funeral ceremony will be at 2:00 pm Friday, June 16, 2023, at the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Pastor Brandon Mize will officiate. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Camp Point, IL.

Helen was born April 19, 1932, in rural Clayton, IL to Harm H. and Ellen Elizabeth (Tournear) Kaufman.

She was married to Richard H. Baldwin on August 28, 1948, in Quincy, IL. He preceded her in death on November 20, 2006.

Survivors include her five children, Ronald Baldwin of Quincy, IL, Kathy Hughes (Harold) of Peoria, IL, Randy Baldwin of Quincy, IL, Jeff Baldwin of Quincy, IL, and Karen Nettleton (James) of Normal, IL; nine grandchildren, Bill and Shawn Baldwin, Michael Hughes (Tammy), Stephanie Hadsall (Justin), Jennifer and Jessica Baldwin, Paige Wellman (Blake), and Aaron and Shelbie Baldwin; 20 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters in infancy; one grandson, Scott Baldwin; one great-grandson, Dylan Baldwin; two daughters-in-law, Susie and Peggy Baldwin; four sisters, Betty Forrest, Mary Loop, Shirley Knight, and Donna Klossing; two brothers, Willard and Harm "Danny" Kaufman; and two sisters in infancy, Ester Lucielle and Karen Jean.

Helen worked as a bench assembler for Brower Manufacturing for 18 years.

Helen loved cleaning her home and gardening both flowers and vegetables. Her yard was surrounded by perennials, and peonies were always her favorite. She grew tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, peppers, and corn in her garden, and even canned some of her goodies. Helen made the best goulash, but also had the ultimate sweet tooth! She was known for getting up in the middle of the night to enjoy some cookies and milk. She hid her sweets so others wouldn't find them, and everyone knew if you did find her stash, you were not to touch it. To no surprise, one of her favorite sayings was "Be good or don't get caught!" Helen enjoyed traveling to Michigan, especially Flint, Pontiac, Saginaw, and Mackinac Island, to see where her husband was from. And if she was home with the TV on, she was likely tuned in to The Lawrence Welk Show, Jimmy Swaggart, an old Western, or Walker Texas Ranger. Most of all, Helen loved her family dearly and cherished her time with them.

Helen was a member of Quincy Faith Church, formerly Faith Assembly of God, in Quincy. She enjoyed reading her Bible, listening to old Christian hymns, and going to church picnics.

Pallbearers will be Ron Baldwin, Randy Baldwin, Jeff Baldwin, Harold Hughes, James Nettleton, Mike Hughes, Shawn Baldwin, and Jamie Klossing.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be shared and a video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.