Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1930, Jane was the youngest of eight children of John Dewitt and Mildred Roth Lent and grew up in Peru, Illinois. She treasured her first 21 summers at the family cottage on the shores of Lake Michigan near the village of Pentwater, where she revisited as often as possible, both in person and in her mind’s eye. Jane attended Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut; eight days after graduation on June 18, 1951, Jane married the love of her life William Joseph Baldau, who had graduated the year before from The United States Coast Guard Academy. After short stays in Winchester, Massachusetts and Groton, Connecticut, Jane and Bill drove across the country in 1956 and ended up in Malibu, California.
It was there, in Malibu, that Jane would live out the rest of her life, raising their three children, being “first mate” on several family sailboats, and enjoying an active life within the parish community of Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church. Surrounded by views of trees, hills, and the Pacific Ocean, Jane cultivated her green thumb in her beautiful yard. Her rose gardens thrived year in and out, accompanied by colorful flowers and vegetable gardens. There was a family Basenji, Corky, followed by many dear cats including her last kitty, Annie. Jane enjoyed her years of volunteering with other mothers at OLM School, and later, alongside many dear friends for the OLM yard sale. Always adventurous, Jane and Bill enjoyed retirement travels to New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, and Israel.
Jane’s cheerful, pragmatic, indomitable spirit will be missed by her family and friends. She taught us how to look for the silver lining, to fill one’s heart with appreciation of the world’s beauty, and how to be a good neighbor and friend. She loved her family fiercely. She is survived by her dear husband of nearly 70 years, Bill Baldau; her children Mary Lowe of Santa Monica, California, Margy Grosswendt (Hub) of Kailua, Hawaii, and Ted Baldau of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; grandchildren Sara Leo (Vince), Will Grosswendt, and Piper Grosswendt; great-granddaughter Lily Munro; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Beverly Gleason for her unwavering love for Jane and support over many years. The family also wishes to thank Jane’s caregivers for their kindness. Jane’s ashes will be scattered in Pentwater and a memorial service at OLM will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Jane’s memory to The Humane Society.
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