Heidi Ann Jewell Gradel Baldridge, 66, of Waco, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020 at her residence surrounded by the love of her family.
Visitation: 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Graveside Service: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 25, at Oakwood Cemetery
Heidi was born April 16, 1954 in Waco to Dr. William and Dorothy Hall. She attended and graduated from Reicher Catholic High School, and she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, David E. Gradel, in 1972. Heidi continued her education at McLennan Community College, earning her license as an LVN in 1975. She pursued a career at Heart of Texas MHMR, and she was devoted to caring for others. Heidi truly lived life to the fullest, through the simple pleasures of gardening, walking her favorite dog, Hachi, and vacationing at the beach.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and parents.
Survivors include her beloved husband, Richard Baldridge; daughter, Amber Sumner and husband, John; grandchildren, Allison Sumner and Austin Sumner; extended family Scott Baldridge and Kathy and Marty Parker; and numerous friends.
We will remember her as “Classy, Sassy, and a little bit Bad Assy.”
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue or to the Waco Humane Society.
Place of Service: Oakwood Cemetery , 2124 S.5th St.; Waco, TX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
Heidi-heaven will be a bit livelier from now on,but we will miss you.Sending prayers to your family,you are a special soul. Nancy and Joe Adamik
Condolences and prayers to her family. Had the pleasure of working with her at HOTRMHMR she was always had a smile even when some days weren’t a smiling day.
Heaven has one more angel. Sending condolences and prayers to her family. Love Nora and Joe
Although our lives took different paths as time passed, Heidi was always in my heart. She was a loving friend and we had so much fun. I remember the fabulous house with antiques throughout and the large front porch. Memories are all I have left now but Heidi will also be in my heart and soul. I’ll miss you girlfriend and yes, Heaven has gained a wonderful, loving Angel! Kathy
Brenda Renfro-King and Raymond King
Heidi was such a joy to work with. She always had a smile on her face and a laugh that will light up a room. She was a dedicated nurse who cared about and provided excellent quality services to those in her care. We worked together for many years at HOTRMHMR in the Nursing Department. We became a family and remained that way till this day when Heidi passed away.Heidi will always have a place in our heart and our memories. Words cannot express how sad we are about the loss of Heidi. Evelyn, Thelma, Nora, Margie, Brenda,Shelia. To Richard Heidi’s Beloved husband, Amber her daughter,and husband John ,granddaughterAllison,, grandson Austin may your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Heidi is a very special lady. She was always smiling and uplifted me whenever I had the pleasure of visiting with her. Richard, you and Heidi were so kind to me 3 years ago last month. I will always cherish that.
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Prayers for comfort to you all.
Richard,
We will miss seeing the two of you holding hands while walking the dog. You have our sympathy and prayers.
George and Myrna Jezek
What a great influence Heidi had on my life.
She taught me how important it is to be a strong woman.
Amber, my heart goes out to you!
With all my love, Terri
Heidi was part of our early adulthood when we were carefree and a little foolish. That is how we remember her. A beautiful child, some years behind us, finding her place in the world of adults.
My condolences are going out to Heidi’s family. I will love and cherish her memory forever.
Linda Gnatkowski
I am lucky. I met Heidi when we were both just 14 years old. Now this may sound shallow, but it needs to be said: the first thing people noticed about Heidi was her beauty. She would walk in a room and jaws would drop … people stared like they had just seen a unicorn. I remember going to the public library on Saturdays, where the Baylor boys who manned the desk would fall all over themselves trying to help her. They would try to chat her up with lame explanations of the Dewey Decimal System … anything just to talk to her. She had that effect on people, and it was always entertaining to watch. One year she came to my house for Thanksgiving, and I watched my own brothers turn into morons trying to impress her. Good times …
But Heidi was so much more than a beautiful face and a slamming body. She was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and funniest people I’ve ever known. She had emotional intelligence. She made people feel good about themselves, always leaving them better than she found them. I can’t say that about many people, but that is who Heidi was to me. I am lucky. For 52 years I knew a unicorn.
Condolences to family and friends, may you find strength & comfort sharing memories… you are a special spirit friend!
I am so sorry for your loss. She was truly and beautiful person inside and out.
So sorry to hear Heidi had passed. I knew her briefly in 1977, but she touched my heart deeply. My condolences to family and friends. Amber, Terri…I’d love to her more about her life.