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Constance Anderson Baldwin McGregor

November 27, 2016

ObitConnieMcGregor1880p

Constance Anderson

Baldwin McGregor

Constance Anderson Baldwin McGregor, was born November 7, 1920 in Valley City, North Dakota, USA. She grew up a few miles away in Jamestown, ND with her parents and three siblings. After graduating from high school she moved to Astoria Oregon to start her working life and later attended Willamette University in Salem, OR. There she met Leo E. Baldwin, they married in December 1942 and she joined him in conscientious objection with alternative service during World War II establishing a pattern of social consciousness and justice that she maintained throughout her life.

Four children were born of this marriage: Christina Baldwin (Ann), Carl Baldwin (Colleen), Rebecca Dougherty (Daniel) and Leo Eric Baldwin. The family grew up mostly in Minneapolis, MN where Connie was primarily a housewife. She was also involved with many community organizations and activities. She and Leo divorced in 1974.

After teaching herself to be a realtor, she moved to Anchorage, AK with her youngest son in 1975. There she met Donald McGregor, a Canadian engineer working on the Alaska pipeline. They married in 1976 and she became a dual citizen. After completing his assignments in Alaska and a brief relocation to Iran, Connie and Don moved to Calgary AB, and then to Sydney, BC where Don died in 1994.

Connie then began her Cowichan Valley life where she was lovingly held in community by many Canadian friends, many of whom became as family to her. She enjoyed making music and friends in Chemainus and Ladysmith, briefly moving to Nanaimo, then returning to Chemainus. Her passion for music was expressed through her piano and she often served as a church pianist and organist. She was also a strong advocate for peace and social justice.

Connie died on 27 November 2016 at the age of 96 and 20 days.

She leaves behind her four children, six grandchildren: Kyle and Bryn Dougherty, Colleen Vickers, Erin Baldwin, Alicia and Brandyn Baldwin, and one great-grandchild: Reilly Baldwin.

A memorial service will be held at the Chemainus United Church in early 2017. Memorials may be made to the Chemainus United Church or to the Chemainus Health Care Foundation, memo: Benefit of Health Care Center.



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