Mary Sandoval Baldini

Surrounded by the warm presence of the children she raised and the husband she loved, Mary Baldini (born Maria Elvira Sandoval) passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home of sixty years in Chalmette, Louisiana, at the young age of eighty-nine. Born in Brighton, Colorado, Mary moved to New Orleans, Louisiana after marrying the passionate love of her long life, Harold Baldini. It was there she laid roots and remained for the rest of her extraordinary life.

Baptized into Christianity at St. Augustine Church in Brighton, Mary was a devout Roman Catholic and spent nearly all her overtime praying for the wellness of her family members. She was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Prompt Succor (OLPS) in Chalmette and regularly sponsored the faith of her grandchildren at Prince of Peace Church and OLPS, respectively.

Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed religion and philosophy genres. She also enjoyed refurbishing and repainting her home, and was talented at gardening. A brilliant seamstress, she found joy in sewing clothes and costumes for her children and grandchildren. She nurtured the stomachs of her family by combining recipes from her parent’s native Northern New Mexico heritage with local New Orleans cuisine and was always last at the table, making sure everyone ate before she did. With her sister Bernadette, she turned a mean corner at shopping outlets, oftentimes finding the best sales in the continental United States. Career wise, she dedicated thirty years to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an accountant.

Most importantly, Mary instilled love and grace in every encounter. She spent every waking moment putting the needs of others before her own and exuded kindness upon strangers, friends, and family alike. Her infectious selflessness was felt overwhelmingly by her kin, all of whom have learned how to live a life of servitude thanks to her example.

She is survived by her husband of seventy years, Harold Baldini. Together, they raised four beautiful children by which she is also survived by: Michael Baldini (Alicia), Harold Baldini Jr. (Sandy), Mark Baldini, and Elizabeth Baldini along with her bonus daughter, Kathy Hartson (Eddie). In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren: Lisa Elliot (Eric), Chelsea Baldini, Joseph Baldini (Peggy), Nanette Fernandez Baldini, Hailee Baldini (Eddie), Marybeth Palazzolo (Matthew), Jonathan Palazzolo (Meg), Cody Palazzolo (Marco), Bambi Carreras (Greg), and Cherie Palazzolo; her great-grandchildren Caleb, Kolston, Re’Ahna, Logan, Layla, Adelee, Lily, Jasper, Han, Shiloh, Romeo, Danavian, and Devin; her great, great grandchildren Meilani and Jeulianna; her sister, Bernadette S. Fulton (Pat), her brother, Joseph Sandoval (Chris); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by many loved ones, including her parents, Geronimo and Camilla Sandoval; her grandson, Chaise Baldini; and her siblings Norbert Sandoval, Viola Sandoval, Alphonso Sandoval, Gerald Sandoval, Paul Sandoval, Frances Denton, Adeline Gutierrez, and Richard Sandoval.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Parker and the dedicated staff at Heart of Hospital for their compassionate care and support. They also wish to sincerely thank the Eucharistic Ministers of OLPS Church, Lonnie and Michelle Simoneaux, for their meaningful presence and service.

A visitation for Mary will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, 2320 Paris Rd, Chalmette, LA 70043. Following the visitation will be a funeral memorial mass from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Mary S. Baldini's final resting will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado on a later date.