Kathleen F. Baldwin

Kathleen F. Baldwin, 76, of Fort Collins, Colorado passed away early Saturday morning, the 15th of August 2009 at home quietly in her sleep after a brief illness. She was born to Christopher Stephen Flanagan and Rita Hancock Flanagan in Port Arthur, Texas on October 8, 1932. Kathleen first met the love of her life, Lionel V. Baldwin in Kindergarten class in Texas. In High School, they were reacquainted and began their many years together. Kathleen attended Bishop Byrne High School in Port Arthur, Texas graduating in 1950. Her next decision was easy; she followed her father Christie, who was an All American Half back in 1927-28 under Knute Rockne at Notre Dame, to attend St. Mary's College graduating with a BS degree in 1954. Conveniently, Lionel attended Notre Dame University, across the street from St. Mary's. Kathleen and Lionel were married on September 3rd 1955 after which they lived in Cleveland Ohio while Lionel worked for NASA while serving his military commitment after graduating from ROTC at Notre Dame. While in Cleveland, Lionel completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering at Case Institute of Technology. In 1961, Kathleen and her husband Lionel moved to Fort Collins where Lionel began his 23 year career at Colorado State University. In 1984, he founded the National Technological University. Kathleen took charge of the running of their house, raising their four children and making their house a home. She also hosted many a social gatherings for the CSU and NTU faculty and supporters. Kathleen volunteered extensively at St. Joseph's Church and for local Belle Bonfils blood drives at CSU. Kathleen was the driving force which tied her family together these many years with Christmas gatherings and celebrations her favorite time of year. Kathleen loved spending time with her family, cooking, trying new restaurants, skiing with her family, traveling around the world, reading, shopping, socializing, and sharing stories. Kathleen is survived by her husband, Lionel Vernon Baldwin and her four children; Brian Christopher Baldwin of Fort Collins, Michael Vernon Baldwin of Houston, TX, Diane Baldwin Troup Richard Wayne of Morrison, CO, and Daniel Flanagan Baldwin Kristen Schamberger of Woodstock, GA. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Michael Wayne Troup, Patrick Flanagan Baldwin, Kathleen Elizabeth Troup, Sean Robert Baldwin, Christopher Glenn Baldwin, Alyson Kae Baldwin, and Trey Flanagan Baldwin. In addition, Kathleen is survived by one sister, Muriel Flanagan Cullen, and two brothers, Christopher Stephen Flanagan, and Michael Bruce Flanagan, all of Texas. Kathleen is preceded in death by her mother, Rita Hancock Flanagan, her father, Christopher Stephen Flanagan and her beloved first grandchild Kelsey Rae Baldwin. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 5450 S. Lemay Ave, Fort Collins at 10:30 am on Wednesday the 19th of August, 2009. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana www3.saintmarys.edu in comments section add in memory of Kathleen Flanagan Baldwin, or call 574-284-4588 or to the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org in memory of Kathleen Flanagan Baldwin or 1-800-342-2383.