Anna Lucille (Willard) Baldwin

July 29, 1927 – January 2, 2025 Anna Lucille (Willard) Baldwin, a sweet and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in San Jose, California, during the early morning hours of January 2, 2025. She lived a rich and fulfilling life, reaching the remarkable age of 97.

Anna was born on July 29, 1927, in Fountaintown, Indiana, the daughter of Cortland and Grace (Snider) Willard. She graduated from Morristown High School and later worked in Indianapolis, where she met the love of her life, John R. Baldwin of Brazil, Indiana. The couple married on September 29, 1951, and resided in Greencastle, Indiana, until 1966, when they relocated to San Jose, California. During John’s service in the U.S. Navy, they were based in San Diego, Long Beach, and Vallejo, California, before returning to Greencastle to raise their children. John’s job with IBM and his love of California eventually led to their move to San Jose, requiring Anna to leave behind her beloved Indiana and family.

Anna was a devoted home body whose home and family meant everything to her. She enjoyed camping trips and traveled with her family; her infectious smile always brought joy. Known for her good-natured humor, Anna was often the target of playful teasing from her husband and children, a tradition that became a hallmark of their family bond. Her caregivers adored her, frequently remarking on her sweetness and gratitude, a sentiment that deeply warmed the hearts of her family.

In addition to doting on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Anna enjoyed bowling with John. She was an active member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a volunteer at the elementary school across the street from her home . Encouraged by her oldest daughter, Anna joined the Red Hat Society and wasn’t shy about the silly things they did at their events. She was always ready to bring laughter and joy.

Anna is predeceased by her loving husband, John; her parents, Cortland and Grace (Snider) Willard; her brother, Paul Willard; and her sister, Treva (Willard) Bardonner. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Jo Anna (Baldwin) Carlson and her husband Alton; Gerri Baldwin; Meikel Baldwin and his wife Rita; and Dee Baldwin and his wife Josie. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Stacey (Baldwin) Kalynij and her husband Raymond, Chad Baldwin and his wife Ester, and Kevin Baldwin and his wife Jessica. Her great-grandchildren include Jeffrey, Alyssa, and Jenna Baldwin. Luke and Hannah Kalynij. Jonathan and Ethan Baldwin. Anna is also survived by her siblings Gerry (Willard)(Garriott) Gaskill, Jim Willard, Frank Willard, and George Willard.

Mom, you left us quietly without a word. Although it’s difficult for us to endure, we take comfort in knowing we will see you again one day.

Visitation will be held on January 18, 2025, at Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangri-La Chapel, 1444 W US HWY 52, Fountaintown, Indiana 46130 from 10:00am to 11:00 am The service will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by her nephew, Vic Bardonner. Interment will be at Fountaintown Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Morristown Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life will be held later this spring in San Jose under the warm California sunshine.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Anna’s memory may be made to your favorite charity.

Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com