Mary Baumhardt (née Burke), adored daughter of the late Margaret and Patrick Burke, beloved wife of Richard Baumhardt, devoted sister of John Burke, loving niece of the late Mary Agnes Kissane, treasured cousin of Daniel (Louise) Byrom, Patricia (Peter) Snow, Robert (Linda) Byrom, cherished aunt to Megan Byrom, Molly, John, and Daniel (Therese) Snow, Joseph and Susan Byrom, and dear friend of many, passed away on September 24th.
Mary was proud of her Chicago roots and fondly remembered her time at St. Edward’s Grammar School and Good Counsel High School. While her professional talents helped her earn an MBA from Northwestern and a long career at Navistar, her strong faith led her to teach catechism at St. Monica Parish for many years. In 1993, she married Richard and relocated to Palatine where she continued to teach catechism at St. Therese Parish.
Mary loved her entire family and was loved in return. Next to Rick, her strongest love was saved for her brother. Helping to advocate and care for him after his stroke, Mary was relentless in protecting him, gently (and not-so-gently) pushing him and ensuring he was at his best.
Though she and Richard happily called Palatine home for many years, Mary insisted on having a funeral in Chicago because she was, in her words, ” a city girl at heart.” Mary will be missed by all.
Funeral Monday 9:30 AM from Gibbons Family Funeral Home 5917 W. Irving Park Rd (½ block East of Austin) to St. Monica Church. Mass 10 AM. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 3-8 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your pet charity. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com
Dear rick, pat and John
My heart breaks at the passing of dear Mary such a good friend to me going back to our days at favorite brands international.
I recall we both at her desk on new year’s eve chatting about everything and nothing while eating bulls eye candy in an empty office.
She traveled east for a trade show in Atlantic city nj. I introduced her to the history of and attendance to the miss america pageant parade on the boardwalk.
She came to visit me in the hudson valley of NY. Showing her the local historic sites was such fun including usma west point.
When I visited you she and pat took me to a beautiful flower garden I can’t recall the name now it was such fun.
I’m grateful we got to visit last year when I was out there on business. Even for only a few hours we gabbed and laughed and hugged.
Our miles apart and voids of communication in between never stopped our mutual admiration and love for each other. Always a smile on her face, a chuckle in her voice and a hug ready. May memories of the love laughter joys and tears shared with mary provide comfort now and in the coming days.