Obituary of Joan J. Baldwin

Grand Rapids, MI

Joan J. Baldwin

Heaven gained a wonderful soul, Monday, August 13, 2018 with the passing of Joan Baldwin in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and “adopted” mom to many.

 She was an amazing woman who dedicated her life not only to her family but advocated tirelessly for the welfare of all animals. Her particular loves were for her dogs and horses (snakes, not so much). She rescued many animals, sometimes from horrendous circumstances and worked hard to find good homes for those that had none.

She passionately advocated also for humankind working with organizations near her home in Sugar Grove, Virginia, to help those with all manner of needs whether it was feeding those who were hungry, clothing those who had little or no resources to do so themselves or providing pet food to those who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to keep their beloved pets.

She requested no services, flowers or “fluff” upon her death, though she would have been thrilled to know that contributions had been made to any of the organizations she worked with in Virginia, or for that matter, to a favorite local animal shelter or outreach service.

For anyone wishing to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the following are organizations she worked closely with in Virginia.

Smyth County Humane Society, PO Box 1124, Marion, VA 24354; Best Friends Rescue, c/o Linda Dewell, 1228 Horne Hollow Rd., Sugar Grove VA 24375; Elizabeth Outreach Fund, c/o Gwyn Combs, 1936 Pugh Mountain Rd., Sugar Grove, VA 24375.

Many thanks to those of you who have reached out with your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Her loving husband, William “Bill” Baldwin and her Michigan family remain in our prayers.

This is a courtesy announcement by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory.