Lucile “Polly” Wightman Baldwin was born in Friendship, New York, on August 26, 1924, at age 99. She went home to be with her Lord on April 15, 2024. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Dimmick Cemetery, Wirt, NY.
In addition to being a loving mother and homemaker, Lucile was a partner to her husband during their 50 years in the ministry in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. During WWII, she did her part in the war effort as a welder in Olean, NY. She enjoyed her extended family, and nothing pleased her more than having all of her nieces and nephews congregate at the family homestead as “the cousins” reminisced about old times with each other and Aunt Polly.
She was a gifted musician and used her skills as church pianist, piano teacher, and accompanist for school choirs until she was 90 years old.
After retiring, and until her passing, she was an active member of First Day Baptist Church in Richburg, New York, where she and her husband had met as teenagers. After graduating from Richburg High School, she attended Practical Bible Training School in Binghamton, NY.
Lucile was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Rev. Wayne M. Baldwin; and her parents LaVern and Jennie (Pierce) Wightman. She also was predeceased by her son, Wendell W. Baldwin; her sisters Marguerite B. Wightman, Laura E. Smith, Lulu E. Burdick, and Clara J. Whitman; and her brothers Howard F. Wightman, Donald J. Wightman, and Edward L. Wightman.
Lucile is survived by her children Evelyn (David) Nahrstedt, Eleanor (Arnold) Stenberg, William (Dewerece) Baldwin, and Nathan (Jacqueline) Baldwin. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Her son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Jackie Baldwin; and grandsons, Pierce, Jonah, and Nehemiah, lovingly cared for her at home during the last 10 years of her life. The family gives them their greatest and warmest gratitude. Nearby family and friends also provided support, assistance, and companionship, and the family will be forever grateful.
A time of visitation will be held Friday, April 19, 2024, 9:00 a.m., at First Day Baptist Church, 128 Main Street Richburg, New York. A Memorial Service will follow at 10:00 A.M. Committal Services will be held in the church immediately following the Memorial.
If desired, memorials may be made to the First Day Baptist Church, Richburg, NY.
Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Bolivar.
