Obituary of Nancy Nellis Baldwin

Nancy Nellis Baldwin

Mrs. Nancy Nellis Baldwin, 73, of Indian Trail Road, Fort Plain, New York passed away, Sunday, April 21, 2019 at the Mountain Valley Hospice House in Gloversville.

She was born on August 4, 1945 to Leon R. Nellis and Nellie E. Cook in Amsterdam, NY.  She was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, Class of 1963.  She graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 1967 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and received her Master’s Degree in 1972.

Predeceased in death by her parents (1975 & 1980) and her brother, Richard (1958). 

She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey A. Baldwin; children, Todd R. Waite (Dawn) of Canajoharie, NY, Jason L. Waite (Kerri) of Fort Plain, NY, Erin J. Waite of Fort Plain, NY; father of her children, Maynard Waite, III of Fort Plain, NY; grandchildren, Evan Waite (Dominique) of Mohawk, NY, Seth Waite (Jessica) of Canajoharie, NY, Collin Waite of Canajoharie, NY; Foster Waite of Fort Plain, NY; great-grandchild, Sophie Waite of Mohawk, NY; step-children, Eric Baldwin (Melanie) of Niagara Falls, NY, Keith Baldwin (Jody) of Richmond, VA; step-grandchildren, Noah and Aniella Baldwin of Richmond, VA.

Mrs. Baldwin taught First Grade at Canajoharie Elementary School, until her retirement in 2002.  She then worked part time at the Canajoharie Library and Arkell Museum as Children’s Program Director.

Her interests included reading, crossword puzzles, playing horseshoes, gardening, and helping others. She was Founder and Librarian of the Lil’ Country Library, Hessville, NY- “Take-a Book, Bring-a Book”.  Many animals preceded her in death, each of which was loved dearly especially her devoted potbellied pig, Hamlet.  Many strays found a loving home with her and her husband, Jeff.

Nancy donated her body to Syracuse Upstate Medical University for scientific research.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 12:00PM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Springfield Center, NY.  Arrangements are entrusted to Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339.

A favorite saying of Nancy’s: “Bless the beasts and the children for in this world they have no voice, they have no choice.”

Donations may be made in memory of Nancy to the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166, Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078 or Shepherd’s Green Pig Sanctuary, 139 Copleland Lane, Cookville, TN 38506.

Please sign the online guestbook for Mrs. Nancy Baldwin at www.houghtalingandsmith.com