Gloria was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 24, 1929, and grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, during the Great Depression. Gloria married Donald Baldwin in 1950 and moved to Kansas City where Don attended veterinary school. Gloria worked at the college to support Don and begin a family.
Gloria and Don had three children. In 1975, Gloria and the children moved to Holland, Michigan, to be close to her family. She worked at BASF until 1993 when she retired and pursued her new passion for gardening. She took great pleasure in the beauty of the flowers and the physical work of maintaining her treasured home. Neighbors marveled at her colorful flowers and manicured yard. She delighted in her time spent with her grandson Sean and was so very proud of him. She loved her daughters with all her heart and was so grateful for the men they married. She was happy being with family and friends, sitting on the swing and sipping a beer. She enjoyed music and loved to dance. Music continued to comfort her over many years with dementia.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Jerry Hill, and Marianne and Doug Cunningham. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, John and Doris Ermatinger, and her sister, Linda Buza, along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her cherished son Eric Baldwin, and precious grandson Sean Hill. She was also preceded by her beloved mother Marion Ermatinger, her father Reginald Ermatinger, and older brothers, Jimmy, and Billy Ermatinger.
Gloria requested no funeral service but instead wanted a festive celebration of life to share stories, food, and fun. The celebration is planned for the Summer of 2023, with the date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Resthaven Care Center, 280 West 40th Street, Holland, MI 49423, or Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423. Gloria resided at Resthaven for eleven years. The staff became like family and always treated her with the utmost respect and dignity. We will be forever grateful for the years of keeping her safe and the devotion they gave to Mom.
All were fortunate to have known such a sassy, fun, and independent woman with a generous spirit, and blessed to be part of her life. Gloria will be greatly missed. Spread your wings, Mama!
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