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Tory Baldwin

May 24, 1932 - February 12, 2016
Livonia, MI

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Visitation

Wednesday, February 17, 2016
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Turowski Life Story Funeral Homes
Livonia, West of Middlebelt
30200 Five Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48154
(734) 525-9020

Rosary at 7pm

Driving Directions

Service

Thursday, February 18, 2016
11:00 AM EST
Turowski Life Story Funeral Homes
Livonia, West of Middlebelt
30200 Five Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48154
(734) 525-9020
Driving Directions

Life Story / Obituary


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All who knew Tory Baldwin would agree that she was one of the sweetest people around. She was never one to let things get the best of her, and she was generous, even selfless when it came to those around her. Tory was a devoted wife and loving mother who was thrilled to watch her family grow to include grandchildren, too. She loved things like shopping and going on vacations, but what made the things she loved so special was sharing them with the ones she loved. Tory never liked saying goodbye, and with her warm and outgoing personality she was the sort of woman whom everyone wanted to know. Dearly loved, her memory will be forever cherished.

The 1920s were primarily a prosperous time when innovation opened new doors in nearly all facets of American life. The 1930s were a much different story, however, as the entire decade was covered by the blanket of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce and the unemployment rate soared, but things only went from bad to worse when a drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years. Amidst this difficult time a young couple from Detroit, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own lives as they were blessed with the birth of the baby girl they named Tory on May 24, 1932. She was one of eight children born to Jon and Eliza (Harrietha) Baldwin as she was joined in her family by her siblings.

Raised in the family home in Detroit, Tory was a young girl of her generation. Her father worked at Budd Wheel Automotive while her mother was a busy homemaker. As a teen Tory attended St. Martins Catholic High School where she was very outgoing, social, and popular among her peers. She also regularly took part in various school events.

New and exciting changes were in store for Tory when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was James, and they met through a friend. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together, Tory and James were married on June 22, 1957, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span 58 years. Together they were blessed with the births of three children including Tom, Dave, and Polly. Sadly, Polly died when she was just 11 years old. There was nothing that was ever of greater significance in Tory’s life than caring for her family, and she was always there for whatever they needed. Her support never wavered, and she continually offered her unconditional love and acceptance. Later in life, Tory was filled with unspeakable joy when grandchildren came along, and it was easy to see that Jennifer, Blake, Nicholas, and Mason were the light of her life.

Although caring for her family was Tory’s primary focus, she did enjoy keeping busy with other things, too. She worked some outside of the home including in an administration job at Hudsons Motor. Tory then worked for Ford Motor Company, but when her first son was born she left the workforce. Once both of her boys were in high school she started working at various restaurants including Burger Chef, Hardee’s and Wendy’s. She enjoyed her work, and working in restaurants became more of a hobby for Tory than it ever was work. Tory looked forward to family vacations, and for years they went to Florida for Easter. Holiday events with family were also a highlight as her extended family was very important to her. As her family and friends can attest, Tory loved shopping. In addition, Tory enjoyed eating out, and Panera Bread was her favorite restaurant. Around home she did the word puzzles in the Detroit Free Press.

When reflecting on the life of Tory Baldwin, words such as compassionate, steadfast, and fun-loving come to mind. However, the word that paints the most vivid picture of her is selfless. Tory was a woman of great strength who never complained despite the trials she faced at times. Social and bubbly, she always preferred saying “see you later” as saying goodbye was something she hated. Positive, hardworking, and dedicated, Tory will never be forgotten.

Tory Baldwin died on February 12, 2016. Tory’s family includes her husband, Jim; children, Tom and David; grandchildren, Jennifer, Blake, Nicholas, and Mason; and seven siblings. Tory was preceded in death by her daughter, Polly. Family will receive friends Wednesday 4-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m., at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middlebelt and Merriman) where a funeral service will be held Thursday at 11a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. To share a favorite memory and/or photo of Tory and to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.turowskilifestory.com

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