Adrienne Arlene Baldwin

Adrienne Arlene (Ferguson) Baldwin, 79, passed away October 25, 2015 with family by her side following a long and brave battle with Alzheimer's disease. Adrienne was born in California, PA on April 10, 1936 to Mary (Stonfer) Ferguson of Newell, PA and Alex Ferguson of California PA. Even though her venturesome spirit led her to several cities and states over the years, California was always home. She graduated from California High School in 1954 and went on to attend 3 iterations of California State Teacher's College, California State College and California University of Pennsylvania earning her Bachelors degree Summa Cum Laude and Masters degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She was employed as a speech therapist working with stroke victims before coming home to California to care for her mother also a victim of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's has been called "The Long Goodbye" as the disease slowly over years robs the individual of both mind and body functioning. Remarkably though Adrienne never stopped recognizing her children and grandchildren or lost precious memories of childhood days in California and learning to swim in the Monongahela river. Her sharp wit and laughter stayed with her until the end as evidenced by the love of her caregivers. Those who knew Adrienne will remember a smart, well-dressed woman with a fiery and unconventional spirit. Her children will always be thankful for instilling her love of music, books and animals and her steadfast ability to "buck up" in any situation and do whatever needed to be done. As a well-fitting end to her story, she passed within seconds of listening to a favorite song...."My Way" by Frank Sinatra.

In addition to her parents, Adrienne is preceded in death by her husband George Edward Baldwin and beloved daughter Pamala Christy Baldwin. Left to cherish her memory are sons Robert Baldwin and Michael Baldwin of Pennsylvania, daughter Holly Baldwin of Maryland and granddaughters Ivy and Ava Baldwin.

Adrienne is coming home to California PA one last time. Funeral services will be held at Highland Cemetery Wednesday, October 28 at 11AM with Rev. Candace Cook officiating. In lieu of flowers, Adrienne would be honored by donations to either the animal shelter of your choice or the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

The family wishes to thank all the staff of Copper Ridge Dementia Care Facility and Gilchrist Hospice Team for their care and support.

Lyrics to "My Way" http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/franksinatra/myway.html