Linda Evelyn Baldwin (née Munday), 80, formerly of Summit-Argo, died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
She never lost her accent or her British sense of humor. Her jokes were cheeky, sometimes a little crude and always perfectly timed, and her family and friends still repeat their favorites.
She was born Friday, April 12, 1946, in Norwich, England, the eighth and youngest daughter of Leslie and Amelia Munday. She immigrated to America in 1969 and was a proud American for the rest of her life. She made her home in Chicago and married Jonathan Baldwin in 1977.
She worked for many years at the Union League Club in downtown Chicago and later in the cafeteria at Graves Elementary School, where she made sure no one ever went hungry.
She struck up conversations wherever she went and could make a stranger feel like an old friend. She rarely arrived empty-handed, usually bringing kolaczki or Cadbury tins to share.
At home, she enjoyed movies, cooking and baking, and the holidays were never complete without her pumpkin rolls. Her home was seldom without pets, and later in life she watched the birds gather at her feeders every day and made sure they were fed.
She had a green thumb. She loved bluebells, which reminded her of home in England, along with carnations, tulips and yellow daffodils. She was especially fond of poppies, which she loved as a way to honor the veterans she deeply respected.
She is survived by her husband, Jonathan; her children, Jerry, Sherry Wanderlich (Mark), Sarah and Jamie; her four grandchildren, Amelia Stepniak (Niko), Mitchell, Devon (Kylee) and Nathaniel; her great-grandchildren, Lilly, Jasey and Harper; her nephew Paul, who was like a brother to her; and many other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her seven sisters, Eva, Pauline, Elaine, Pamela, Mary, Josephine and Jillian; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
She has been cremated, as she wished.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Army Emergency Relief or a charity of the donor’s choice.