Dydd Gŵyl Dewi 1 Mawrth

Each year on St. David's Day  (March 1st) I remember with gratitude my friend Vera Dowden Baldwin.

Vera May Dowden was intensely proud of her Welsh heritage.

She was born in Risca, South Wales, and  was brought as an immigrant to the United States by her Uncle and Aunt when she was a wee child.

It took Vera's parents a few more years to save for their passage and by the time they arrived Vera was deeply bonded to her Aunt and Uncle.

Her Mum and Dad were wise and loving enough to allow this bond to continue.  Thus Vera was raised by her Uncle and Aunt, but was deeply connected to her parents.

Vera had a storied career as an educator.  Her wisdom and integrity led to many advancements so that at the time of her retirement Vera was the Dean of Women at the Worcester (MA) State College. She was held in such great esteem that a Hall of Residence was named in her honour.

She remained single for so many years, and then, in her seventies, married a widower, the Revd. Langford Baldwin.

Thanks to  her nice sense of humour the wedding took place at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month  -  Armistice Day.  Vera ran up her flag of surrender on that day (I think in 1981).

I thank God for Vera and for all my Welsh friends and friends of Welsh heritage.

Vera and Lang









Dowden Hall, Worcester State College.

 




Location: Risca, Caerphilly, UK

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