Dorothy E. Baldwin, age 96, of 30 Hobbs Rd, Tunkhannock, PA, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early morning January 4, 2024, while at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Dickson City, PA after sustaining a fall.  She was born on March 23, 1927, while en route to her Great Grand Mother "Woomie's" house in Meshoppen Township, Susquehanna County, PA.  Born to God-loving parents, the late Robert B. (d. 1966) and the late Faith E. Bunnell LaFrance (d. 2001), she grew up on the family farm in South Auburn, Susquehanna County, PA.  Her father a farmer and mail carrier and her mother a teacher by trade, she too pursued a career as an educator, with emphasis in early childhood education.

Graduating with the Meshoppen High School class of 1945, she went on to attain her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina, and her Master's Degree from Penn State University, State College, PA. Following, she was honored to be one of two sent to attend the NEA Convention at Madison Square Garden and, continuing her education, a summer abroad with Dr. John Heaps and a small class of 15 in Lincoln, England, studying the British Infant Schools.

She taught elementary education her entire professional career, first in Elk Lake School District and the majority years in the Wyalusing Area School District.

Over the years, at a time when travel was not as easily accessible, she became a seasoned world traveler prompted by a curiosity and zest to learn of other cultures and places and experience God's beautiful creation in different parts of the world.

Following retirement, she became part of the staff at Montrose Bible Conference serving in different capacities, including Conference organist and Tea Room hostess.  It is here where she met the love of her life, Franklin G. Baldwin, originally from Long Island, New York, then of Montrose, who also was a staff member.  They were married, on October 30, 1993, for 27 years until the time of his death on November 2, 2020.

Music was such a big and active part of her life in multiple ways, including ministering as church organist in her home churches as well as special occasion rousing duets with her at the organ and her brother-in-law, Bob Holdren, at the piano.

Being a fun loving, quick-witted, intelligent and thoughtful person all enwrapped in a love and care for others, she gave much joy and laughter to her family and friends.  She loved crocheting and making towel gifts and feeding the birds. (Not so much Eddie, the squirrel, for he was her birdseed thief).   But most, she loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and served him faithfully. She presented and lived her life as she believed.

Her final two years were spent at the Tunkhannock Manor Personal Care Facility where, as a life-long learner, she enjoyed time doing word search puzzles and matching and gaining knowledge with game shows. Even more, she was a prayer warrior for her family and friends.

Dorothy is survived by her sister, Doris B. Holdren Preston and brother in-law Floyd, of Tunkhannock, PA, nieces Chanda LaFrance Cunningham (Dennis) of Laceyville, PA, Bobbie LaFrance Hollett (Nelson) of South Auburn, PA, nephews, Frank Holdren (Lori) of Laceyville, PA, Torrey Holdren (Amy) of Tunkhannock, PA, and niece, Melody Holdren Montross (Dennis) of Tunkhannock, PA, two step-sons Thomas Carney (Elaine) of Lyman, SC, Edd Carney (Kathy) of Charleston, SC.,  as well as many grand and great grand-nieces and nephews.

Being predeceased by a brother, Robert B. LaFrance Jr. (d. 1977), sister-in-law, Elaine Phillips LaFrance (d. 2020), nephew, Joseph H. LaFrance (d. 2014) and brother-in-law, Robert M. Holdren (d. 2003).

Memorial Service is set for Monday, January 8, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Friends and family may call 10 a.m. to time of service

Pastor Phil Hunt, Stanfordville Baptist Church officiating

Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home

73 W Tioga St

Tunkhannock PA  18657

Interment will be at Overfield Cemetery, Meshoppen, PA

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stanfordville Baptist Church, 23456 SR 29, Hallstead PA  18822 or Braintrim Baptist Church 283 Church St.  Laceyville, PA  18623.