CUCHARA- Dianne Baldwin, business owner, patron of the arts and Grande Dame of Cuchara, passed away in Pine Island, Florida on Thursday, March 20 after a long battle with cancer.
“Mom was clearheaded and alert the entire time,” said her daughter Louise. “She died very peacefully with her family around her.”
The Baldwins first bought property in Cuchara in 1967, and moved from Oklahoma in 1968.
Dianne, along with her husband Dave, owned the Dog Bar saloon and the Cuchara Country Store, liquor store and gift shop. They sold their commercial property last year. In October, 2007, the Baldwins were honored by the joint Chambers of Commerce as Citizens of the Year.
Dianne was instrumental in starting the annual 4th of July parade through Cuchara in 1968, which quickly became the single biggest event the village holds. Dianne was always at the lead of the parade, dressed as an Indian Chief, with a raucous band following her.
She is survived by her husband, her sons Brent and Dan and daughters Louise and Larissa. A memorial service will be held in Cuchara on July 3 at the Cuchara Chapel.
