Cora Baldwin

Cora Kathleen Baldwin, 97, of Missoula, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, by natural causes. Born on November 21, 1927, in Big Timber, Montana, to Christopher and Josie Boe, Cora lived a long and full life rooted in family and resilience.

Cora's early years were spent on the Boe family homestead, where she developed her enduring love for nature and the simple beauty of Montana life. She attended Big Timber public schools and, after graduating, moved to Helena to work as an accountant for the U.S. Forest Service. On October 12th, 1947 she married Burt Jensen, and in that marriage, Janis Kathleen Jensen was born but the baby girl only lived for 13 days. Though their time as parents to their beloved daughter Janis was heartbreakingly brief, Cora carried Janis’ memory with her always.

Cora later relocated to Missoula, where she continued her work with the Forest Service, ultimately retiring after 37 years of dedicated service. It was in Missoula that she found love again with LaMarr "Baldy" Baldwin, whom she married on February 14th, 1982. With LaMarr came a bustling, beautiful family that Cora wholeheartedly embraced. She cherished her role as "Grandma K" to LaMarr's four children, 11 grandchildren, and, eventually, 17 great-grandchildren.

Cora had a knack for making those around her feel special. She enjoyed tending to her garden, bowling a strike, or sinking a perfect putt on the golf course, as well as embracing her Norwegian heritage. Her love of life extended to her weekly trips to the hair salon, casual family lunches, and the occasional visit to her favorite machine. She was a blend of elegance and feisty charm, a woman who made every moment count.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Jim, George, Raymond, Walter, Sigrud, Betty, Edna, and Hilda, her baby daughter Janis Kathleen, her husband LaMarr, and stepdaughter Chris, as well as many dear family members and friends who welcomed her with open arms on the other side.

Cora's memory lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind, including her stepchildren Vicky (Forest), Becky, and Doug, her 11 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren, her treasured nieces Linnea, Gloria, Shirley, Elaine, Christy, Debbie,

and Lori, along with their spouses, and her nephews George, Ken, Alan, and Dan, and their spouses. Her memory carries on in the countless other family members and friends whose lives she touched.

In keeping with Cora's wishes, cremation has been handled by Garden City Funeral Home. While no formal funeral service will be held, the family will gather next year in Helena to celebrate her extraordinary life.