Who Was Carol M Baldwin? Family, Legacy & Life Story

Carol M Baldwin was much more than the mother of a famous acting family. She was a woman who lived with purpose, strength, and a deep desire to help others. When people hear her name, they often think of the Baldwin brothers, but her story is rich and inspiring on its own. She became a symbol of hope in the fight against breast cancer, and she touched thousands of lives with her kindness and courage.

Even though she lived a simple and quiet life for many years, her impact grew far beyond her home. Her journey shows how a difficult moment can lead to powerful change. In this article, we explore the life of Carol M Baldwin, her family, her struggles, and the work that made her a beloved figure across New York and beyond.

Quick Bio

Category	Details
Full Name	Carolyn Newcomb Martineau (known as Carol M Baldwin)
Birth Date	December 15, 1929
Death Date	May 26, 2022 (age 92)
Place of Birth	Syracuse, New York, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Irish, English, and French descent
Religion	Roman Catholic
Parents	Father: Roy (Daniel Leroy) Martineau • Mother: Marion Alice Sidnam
Siblings	One brother (Daniel) and five sisters (Patricia, Rebecca/Mary, Joan, Louise, Diane)
Spouse	Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr. (m. 1954–1983)
Children	Alec, Daniel, William (Billy), Stephen, Elizabeth, Jane
Grandchildren	25 total, including Hailey Bieber and Ireland Baldwin
Great-Grandchildren	14 known great-grandchildren
Education	Syracuse University
Occupation	Homemaker, market research employee, breast cancer advocate
Notable For	Founder of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund
Health History	Breast cancer survivor; double mastectomy
Net Worth	Not publicly available; legacy tied to philanthropy
Residence Later in Life	Camillus, New York

Early Life and Family Background

Carol M Baldwin was born on December 15, 1929, in Syracuse, New York. Her birth name was Carolyn Newcomb Martineau, and she grew up in a big family with seven children. Being the middle child gave her a natural sense of balance. She learned early how to care for others, how to listen, and how to stay strong even when life felt busy or loud. These early lessons shaped the woman she would later become.

Her parents, Roy (Daniel Leroy) Martineau and Marion Alice Sidnam, raised her with strong values. She came from a rich mix of Irish, English, and French ancestry, and her home was full of tradition and family love. Growing up in Syracuse gave her a deep connection to her community, a connection she never lost, no matter where life took her.

Education and College Years at Syracuse University

As a young woman, Carol studied at Syracuse University, the same school that would later play a meaningful role in her life. She enjoyed school, made friends easily, and began building the confidence that would help her through future challenges. It was a special time for her, full of hope about the life she wanted to build.

This chapter of her life became even more important when she met Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr., the man who would become her husband. He was a football player from Brooklyn, and the two quickly built a strong bond. Their story began on that campus, and it eventually blossomed into a long and loving marriage. Little did they know they were starting a family that would one day become famous around the world.

Marriage to Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr

Carol married Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr on March 13, 1954. After saying their vows, they moved to Massapequa, Long Island, where they built a busy and happy home. Alexander worked as a high school teacher and coach, and Carol devoted most of her time to raising their children. Their home was warm, lively, and full of activity.

The couple shared a strong partnership. Alexander focused on his students, his coaching, and providing for the family. Carol took care of everything inside the home, managing all the daily routines and supporting their children’s dreams. Together, they created a loving environment that shaped their kids into hardworking and confident adults. This period of her life shows how dedicated and steady Carol M Baldwin truly was.

Life as a Homemaker and Mother of Six

Raising six children is not easy, yet Carol handled it with remarkable energy. Her son Daniel once described her as a “whirling dervish,” always moving, always organizing, and always making sure everyone had what they needed. She cooked, cleaned, helped with homework, and managed endless schedules. Her home was filled with laughter, lessons, and the normal chaos of a large family.

She also raised her children in the Roman Catholic faith, teaching them to value kindness, love, and discipline. These values later became part of the Baldwin family identity. Even when her sons became famous actors, they often spoke about how much their mother shaped their strength and character. Carol M Baldwin didn’t just raise children—she raised a legacy.

The Children of Carol M Baldwin

Now let’s take a closer look at each of her six children, because each of them reflects a part of her influence.
Below begins the list, and we will continue in the second half of the article.

Alec Baldwin – Oldest Son & Award-Winning Actor

Alec Baldwin was born in 1958 and grew up to become one of the most recognized actors in Hollywood. He is known for his work in film, television, comedy, and even politics. Despite his fame, Alec often shared stories about his mother and how much he admired her strength. He once said that she taught him “second acts and third ones too,” a message that stayed with him throughout his life.

Alec’s success, from 30 Rock to Saturday Night Live, is often rooted in the discipline and confidence he learned at home. His deep love for his mother shows just how important Carol was in shaping him.

Daniel Baldwin – Actor & Director

Daniel, born in 1960, also built a strong career in entertainment. Many people know him from shows like Homicide: Life on the Street, where he played complex and powerful roles. Daniel has spoken openly about the challenges he faced in life, and he often credits his mother for his resilience.

Carol’s support helped Daniel through both his successes and struggles. Her guidance gave him the emotional strength he needed, especially during difficult moments. Daniel also honored her by helping with fundraising events for her breast cancer foundation, showing how much he admired her mission.

William “Billy” Baldwin – Actor & Producer

Billy Baldwin, born in 1963, became known for his roles in movies like Backdraft and Sliver. He married singer Chynna Phillips, and the two built a strong and loving family. Billy has always spoken kindly and proudly about his mother, calling her one of the strongest women he knew.

As a child, Billy learned discipline and hard work from Carol. Those same qualities helped him succeed in Hollywood. He also supported her cancer research work and helped her grow the Baldwin Fund through public events and appearances.

Stephen Baldwin – Actor, Author & Activist

Stephen, born in 1966, is the youngest of the four famous Baldwin brothers. He is well-known for movies like The Usual Suspects and for being the father of model Hailey Bieber. Stephen often credited his mother for his strong faith and his determination.

Carol’s influence appears in Stephen’s personality—his commitment to family, his passion, and his expressions of gratitude. Like his brothers, he helped Carol with fundraising efforts and public awareness projects for breast cancer research.

Elizabeth “Beth” Baldwin Keuchler – Executive Director of The Baldwin Fund

Elizabeth, the oldest daughter, took on one of the most important roles in Carol’s foundation. As the Executive Director of The Baldwin Fund, she continues her mother’s mission with deep dedication. Beth worked closely with Carol for years, learning how to lead, organize, and inspire people.

Her work keeps the memory and mission of Carol M Baldwin alive. Thanks to Beth’s leadership, the foundation remains active and successful.

Jane Sasso – Private Life & Community Role

Jane, the youngest daughter, prefers a quiet and private life. She became a physical therapist and focused on helping people in her own way. Although she stayed out of the spotlight, her connection to her mother was strong. Jane often supported events and family gatherings tied to her mother’s charity.

Her calm presence balanced the family’s busy public image, showing the many different paths Carol’s children followed.

Tragedy and Transformation: The Death of Her Husband

Life changed suddenly for Carol in 1983 when her husband, Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr, passed away from lung cancer at only 55 years old. His death was a deep shock to the entire family. Carol had spent almost 30 years building a life with him, raising six children, and creating a warm home. Losing him felt like losing her partner, her support system, and her closest friend.

But even in this painful moment, Carol found a new kind of strength. She continued raising her children, helping them through school, careers, and personal challenges. Many people say this period showed just how strong Carol M Baldwin truly was. She did not stop moving forward. Instead, she began to discover a new purpose.

Entering the Workforce: The “Second Act”

Once her youngest child reached their teenage years, Carol made a big decision. She entered the workforce for the first time in many years. She joined a company called Quick Test, a market research firm. Working again gave her a new sense of independence and confidence. It also helped her adjust to life as a single parent.

This stage of her life is often called her “second act.” It showed that life can have more than one beginning. Carol learned new skills, met new people, and proved that it is never too late to start something new. Her determination and willingness to grow became inspiring examples for her children and everyone around her.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Her Personal Fight

In 1990, Carol faced another serious challenge. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the news changed her life once again. She went through a double mastectomy and several surgeries. These experiences were painful and frightening, but Carol refused to give up. She fought through every step with courage and hope.

During her recovery, she began to think deeply about other women facing the same struggle. She believed there was a reason she survived. She often wondered, “How can I help someone else through this?” This thought stayed with her and eventually became the foundation of her greatest work.

Her fight against cancer marked the start of her “third act,” as her son Alec once said. It was the turning point that transformed Carol M Baldwin into a true advocate for others.

Founding the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund

In 1996, Carol made a life-changing decision. She formed the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund to help doctors, scientists, and hospitals find better ways to detect and treat breast cancer. She wanted to stop other women from experiencing the fear and pain she once felt.

Her mission began with small events, community support, and simple fundraising ideas. But her passion and determination helped the fund grow quickly. She also used her sons’ fame to bring attention to breast cancer research. She encouraged them to appear at events, talk shows, and charity campaigns. They joined her proudly because they believed in her purpose.

Carol’s message was clear:
“Together, we can and will find a cure.”

This became the heart of everything she worked for.

Major Contributions and Impact of the Baldwin Fund

Over the years, the Baldwin Fund expanded and partnered with major medical institutions, including Stony Brook Medicine and SUNY Upstate Medical University. These partnerships allowed researchers to study breast cancer more deeply and develop new treatments. Carol’s hard work helped raise over $10 million for research, making a real difference in the lives of women across New York.

The fund supported more than 100 research grants, giving doctors and scientists the chance to explore new ideas and discover better solutions. Many people in the medical world admired her and called her a “warrior” in the fight against breast cancer. Her impact continues today, long after her passing.

What makes this so special is that Carol M Baldwin did not come from wealth, power, or fame. She created something meaningful simply because she cared. Her heart, not her background, is what built the Baldwin Fund.

Public Recognition, Media Appearances, and Honors

As her fund grew, Carol became more recognized in the community. Carol appeared at events, award ceremonies, and charity gatherings. She was invited to speak at major institutions and often shared her story with honesty and warmth. She also made appearances connected to fundraising efforts, which brought even more awareness to breast cancer research.

Many TV programs and newspapers highlighted her work. Her strength and resilience inspired thousands of people. She even received honors such as recognition from the Ellis Island Medals of Honor community, showing how widely respected she became.

Even though she worked with celebrities, hospitals, and large organizations, she always stayed humble. She never forgot that her mission was to help women who were suffering, just like she once did.

Later Life, Health Challenges, and Legacy Building

As she grew older, Carol dealt with more health issues, including diabetes and heart surgeries. Yet she continued to stay active in her charity for as long as she could. When her health began to decline, her daughter Elizabeth (Beth) stepped in as Executive Director and continued the mission with love and dedication.

Carol spent her final years surrounded by family, including her 25 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She stayed connected to her community in Syracuse and continued supporting breast cancer awareness whenever possible.

Her home, her children, her charity, and her influence became the beautiful legacy she left behind.

Death and Worldwide Reactions

On May 26, 2022, Carol M Baldwin passed away at the age of 92 in Syracuse, New York. Her family shared loving tributes, especially Alec Baldwin, who said she taught him about “second acts, and third ones too.” The message captured everything she stood for — strength, hope, and the belief that life can keep moving forward.

Medical institutions, news outlets, and community leaders also honored her. They praised her years of work, her courage, and her mission to help others fight breast cancer. Thousands of people shared condolences and stories about how her foundation touched their lives.

Her family, especially her children and grandchildren, continue to carry her memory forward. Her name lives on through the Baldwin Fund and through every woman helped by the research she supported.

Final Thoughts

The life of Carol M Baldwin shows how one person’s courage can create real change. She faced loss, illness, and challenges that could have stopped her, yet she chose to rise again. Her work in breast cancer research continues to help people even today. Her children admired her strength, and her community respected her heart. Carol story is a reminder that powerful legacies don’t always come from fame — sometimes they come from kindness, resilience, and the desire to make life better for others.

Carol proved that a single act of bravery can open the door to a lifetime of purpose. Her impact lives on through her family, her foundation, and every life touched by her mission.

FAQs

1. Who was Carol M Baldwin and why is she famous?

Carol M Baldwin was the mother of the Baldwin acting family and a breast cancer survivor who founded a major research fund that raised millions of dollars.

2. How old was Carol M Baldwin when she died?

She passed away at 92 years old on May 26, 2022.

3. Who were the parents of Carol M Baldwin?

Her parents were Roy (Daniel Leroy) Martineau and Marion Alice Sidnam, both from Syracuse, New York.

4. What did Carol M Baldwin do for a living?

She spent many years as a homemaker, later worked in market research, and became a well-known breast cancer advocate after surviving the disease.

5. Who was the husband of Carol M Baldwin?

She was married to Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr, a history teacher and coach, until his death in 1983.

6. How many children did Carol M Baldwin have?

She had six children, including actors Alec, Daniel, Billy, and Stephen Baldwin, along with daughters Elizabeth and Jane.

7. What is the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund?

It is a nonprofit founded by Carol to support breast cancer research at institutions like Stony Brook Medicine and SUNY Upstate, raising over $10 million.

8. What was Carol M Baldwin’s net worth?

Her personal net worth is not publicly recorded. Her legacy is measured through her impact in philanthropy, not financial wealth.

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