Jeanine Baumstark

Back in the early 1980's in Sudbury, MA, when I was an adolescent, I used to look forward to holiday visits from The Baumstarks. I always knew they'd bring the ruckus! Jennifer was a comforting presence much needed; Eric and Jimmy were hilarious; Uncle Rennie and Aunt Jeanine were the voices of savage, brutal honesty, and I loved all of it. One Thanksgiving when Tim was quite young, he and I played a very physical game of Dungeons and Dragons with Eric and Jimmy. At one point during the skirmish, Jimmy picked Tim up and ran down the hallway, using my brother's small body as a medieval shield. Eric fired plastic arrows into him from a toy bow. While Jimmy tried get to Eric with his plastic battle axe, Jim hurled baby Tim through the hallway air where Tim's head and neck slammed into the ceiling and Tim took an eight foot fall to hit the floor, hard! Tim repeatedly screamed and cried; Jimmy hit Eric in the head, breaking the battle axe; and I was thrown face first into the wall. My mom over-reacted because Tim really seemed to be hurt, and only our Auntie Jeanine provided what I felt were the right words for the situation: "EVERYBODY SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP! Edie, you knock it off, too. Tim will be fine. That's what boys do." Situation neutralized. Auntie Jeanine always brought a smile to my face; she still does, and she will be missed. Love, Jeff

Condolences to Uncle Rennie, Jenny, Jimmy and Eric. Although we had not seen her since Luke's wedding here in STL, loved her very, very much. Great memories of your visits to Massachusetts when we were young and of course the famous trip from North Andover to Saginaw in the powder blue Lincoln. A unique and loving character. Always knew where you standed with Aunt Jeanine! See you all next week for the services. Bart Baumstark

Jeanine, my beautiful, feisty sister. I have so many memories of you I don't know where to start. I will say you proved you could tie a good knot when you tied me to our neighbors porch railing! Even though you were a little rough I grew to realize that you did love me. As sisters and friends we have laughed together and we have cried together. I am now crying over losing you. You are now flying with the angels and will always watch over us. Rest in comfort and in peace. You will live forever in my heart. I will love you always, Georgi

Dearest Jeanine, We've had so many good times and so many fights! Gatherings were always ho-hum until you showed up! We could always count on you to add the fireworks. Your love was so complete. I know I felt it. I know our whole family felt it. We will fondly remember all the wonderful times our families spent together when we were all so young and all still full of "piss and vinegar," as Daddy would often say. Rest in gentle peace, Jeanine, dear sister. You are safely in mommy's arms now and that is how I will think of you. xxoo Edie

My Aunt Jeanine was lively, spirited, assertive, and dynamic. Her shadow and her sunshine were equally powerful- a true character, a true person. She also always let me know how much she loved me. I have and will always love her spirit and her soul forever. My heart and my compassion is with her family and mine. Love, Tim Creter