Obituary of Helen May Baldwin

Helen May Baldwin of Scotia, died peacefully on December 8th after a brief illness, with her son, Mark Baldwin and his fiancé, Bernadete Moraes, by her side. She was 93 years old.

Helen was born in Amsterdam on October 3, 1928 and graduated at 16 from the former Wilbur Lynch High School. She graduated early from high school in order to help the war effort by enrolling in nursing school. Also at age 16 she met her future husband, Robert E. (Bob) Baldwin Jr., who had recently returned from serving three years in the Navy, aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saratoga. They were married January 5, 1947 and spent 57 years together until his death in 2004.

Helen and Bob moved into their new home at 148 Birch Lane in 1954, and they spent the rest of their lives there. They had a son, Mark, in 1958. For many years they enjoyed summer travels throughout the East Coast  with their Shasta travel trailer. They particularly enjoyed quiet camping in the Adirondacks, fishing for bass and pike from their boat, and evenings by the campfire. From the late 1940s until the late 1970s the family went skiing together, and were members of Hickory Ski Center, a family ski area near Warrensburg. Although climbing Adirondack mountains in swarms of black flies did not appeal to her, she was very supportive of her husband’s and son’s outings.

Helen had a long career as an X-ray technician, serving several rolls at the General Electric Corporation. 

Helen was very active throughout her life in local environmental issues. She spearheaded the campaign in the 1970s to create Hemlock Hollow Park in Glenville. She was a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Sierra Club for over 25 years.

Helen travelled extensively, visiting all 50 states, as well as Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Switzerland, and Aruba. Later in life, she enjoyed trips by bus to Turning Stone Casino.

Helen is survived by her son, Mark Baldwin of Topsham England, Mark’s fiance Bernadete Moraes of Topsham England, her grandson Ryan Baldwin of Kent, WA, and her sister-in-law Linda Baldwin and nephew Darryl Baldwin of Amsterdam NY. She was predeceased by two sisters, Eleanor and Mildred (Jaynes), two brothers, Edmund and Victor.

Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. on Tuesday, December 14th from 10:30AM to 12 PM. A Celebration of Life Service begins at 12 PM followed by burial at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, PO Box 38225 Albany, NY 12203. Online condolences at glenvillefuneralhome.com