Monica Baldino

Monica M. Baldino of Royal Oak, formerly of Sault Ste. Marie, was born in the Sault on July 18, 1918. She died September 6, 2014 at the age of 96. She was a longtime member of St. Mary Church, Royal Oak and St. Joseph Church, Sault. She was the oldest child of Herman "Mike" and Ada Piche' of Brimley, MI. She married Anthony Baldino in 1941. He passed away in 2002. She is survived by their 7 children: Charlotte Tom Bikos, George Karen, Elizabeth Hubbard, Charles Gail, Stephen, Carmella and Donald. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Coming from the hard working 5-member Piche' family farm in Brimley, Monica's work ethic was established at a young age. Her hands were never idle for long. If she wasn't cleaning or cooking one of her great meals for us, she always was busy doing something for someone other than herself. Monica was a devoted wife to Anthony "Tony" Baldino for 60 years, before he preceded her in passing in March of 2002. Aside from the hard work required to take care of all 7 of us, Monica was a true volunteer... she worked for many, many years sewing cancer pads, laryngectomy bibs and lap robes. She made countless teddy bears and dressing dolls to give away at Christmas. Her home was so full of yard goods used to create these items; rooms were filled to capacity with boxes and boxes of material that were donated to her all labeled, cleaned and organized, ready for her to work her magic. When she did not have what she needed at home, she would purchase materials and yard goods to keep the project going. One example of her dedication and determination was in our younger years after our move from Sault Ste. Marie to Royal Oak. There would be many trips back to the Soo to visit and help our Grandparents, each time leaving in the early morning hours around 4 am. While we kids slept, Dad drove and Mom would be busy knitting mittens. Going north one mitten would get done and then on the way home to Royal Oak the other mitten would be knitted, completing the pair for someone dear. Her small quilts she made lap robes are owned by people all around the world in distant places such as: Nigeria, Nicaragua, Bosnia and South Korea. They were given as gifts as part of her daughter's travels. These crafts created by her generous hands were only a small part of her life that she so graciously donated to helping others. A few more of her loving contributions were: Volunteering at St. Mary's School as a lunch mom
Volunteering at St. Mary's Bingo on Wednesday evenings
And she always had a hand in helping out with the St. Mary's Fall Festival White Elephant Sale
She was an active member of The Daughters of Isabella Society
One of the many awards she received was in 1976 for Woman of the Year from the Boy's and Girl's Club in Royal Oak for her countless hours and dedicated service. There was nobody more willing to offer their time to help others. She is an inspiration to all those that are lucky enough to have known her and her memories will live on in each of us, keeping us inspired for a long time to come. Visitation Tuesday 2-8 pm with 7 pm Rosary at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home. Funeral Wednesday in-state 10:30 am until time of Mass 11 am at St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment at Oaklawn Cemetery, Sault Ste. Marie. Memorial contributions to Season's Hospice or the charity of the donor's choice are appreciated.