Submitted by: Dan Rich

Grace Teresa Baldoni

July 19, 1919 - May 16, 2006

South Bend Tribune 5/21/2006
Grace T. Baldoni, born in Anderson, Indiana, on July 19, 1919, to the parents of Samuel and Elizabeth Perri passed peacefully from this life on May 16, 2006.

It is difficult to explain the life of a woman whose only goal was to serve others and to make everyone feel fulfilled and joyful. She was the poster child of Motherhood as that was her supreme calling taken seriously with great pride. She would serve her children and grandchildren sacrificially as it seemed that was her destiny. To raise strong, healthy and most importantly loved, unconditionally loved, children and grandchildren, and to allow them to enter the world strong and secure to pursue their individual life goals aligned with strong ethics and values.

The accomplishments she has gained in her life were in the hearts of those she so selflessly served, by allowing each soul to be nourished and completed to their perfection as the bread she diligently kneaded, allowed to rise and finally bake to serve the world. As she would knead the dough, prepare the sauce and design the perfect pies, she would supply those around her with meals enriched with the invisible infusion of the energy of love. It was this unending love that would allow them to carry on the tradition of giving and loving to others. It was as though her food not only sustained them and filled their bodies, but it overflowed with the most glorious love that filled the souls of everyone who was touched by her tireless spirit and joyous devotion.

She was an incredibly loyal and loving wife to State Senator Louis F. Baldoni until his passing in 1981, when she turned her full attention to her children, and grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Nat Baldoni and wife, Nancy of Springfield, Missouri; daughter, Susie Shyman and husband, Jim of Gold River, California; and son, Sam Baldoni and wife, Sharon of Central Point, Oregon. She was a very special grandmother to her first grandchild, Tammy Heithoff of Aurora, Colorado, who was her caretaker along with husband, Russell (Chip) until her final passing in hospice May 16.

She was an incredible grandmother to Nicole Baldoni, Justin Baldoni, and Sara Baldoni and had five step grandchildren. She was a loyal sister of Ann Zirille of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Connie Bilancio of Mishawaka, Indiana; and brother, Pat Perri of Henderson Nevada. She was the sister-in-law of Joseph and Phyllis Baldoni and Helge and Agnes Swanson. She had survived the passing of her loving brothers, Frank Perri and Dominic Perri; and sisters, Minnie Sencrie, Catherine Eslinger and Mary Marando; and brother-in-law, Ideal Baldoni; and step-children, Louis Baldoni and Donna Newcomer.

A mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday May 23, 2006, in St. Monica's Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Avenue, Mishawaka, IN. Rev. Jeffery Largent will officiate.

Friends may visit with the family at 1 p.m. prior to the services at the church for a viewing.

Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

Following the service a Celebration of Grace's life will be held at The Landing, 2801 S. Michigan St. South Bend.

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of Grace T. Baldoni to Hospice of Metro Denver, 3399 S. Eagle Street, Aurora, Colorado 80014.