Mary Ann Bayer

Our mom, Mary Ann Bayer, born April 19, 1935 Mary Ann Young, passed away March 24, 2026. She is happy to be joining her best friend, Greg Bayer, who died in 2013. Mary Ann was most proud of being a mother to her six children, Mike, Chris, Rosemary, Heidi, Bridget, and Jennifer. Her extensive family included grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their partners plus so many friends, even at her age, too many to count.

Mary Ann was born in Detroit, Michigan, went to high school at the Shrine of the Little Flower where she met Greg and they married in 1955. Herding her large family, she also managed to get her degree in nursing then later followed with a psych certificate and worked for 35 years in nursing and psychiatric care. Even after retirement, Mary Ann cared for many people who counted on her for sound advice, and time. Greg always said, “she is never not a nurse.”

Mary Ann was known by friends and family as the ever-ready bunny. She never stood still, rarely sat, but instead was always helping, lending a hand, seeking supporters, making friends, and gaining trust by many people. New Baltimore wouldn’t be the same without her inspiration and generous contributions. She and Greg were two of the original founders to the Anchor Bay Community Foundation, delivering scholarships for local students, as well as creating a fund in their Florida community to provide graduating high school students scholarships to trades, technical, health or other certification programs. Mary Ann was president of the New Baltimore Historical Society working tirelessly to renovate and reinvigorate the museum. Ever willing to do whatever the town needed, Mary Ann even served as President of the NB Chamber of Commerce. The project most dear to her heart was Make A Difference Day that she started and rallied volunteers each year to ensure its success!

Mary Ann loved celebrating with good food and drink. She adored being Irish but also found joy cooking and socializing with all kinds of international foods and friends. She threw memorable parties. Her hand-sewn costumes were award winning, and stained glass art showed off her beautiful creativity. She knew how to have fun and delighted in bringing others along.

Her awards piled up at her home that she loved on Anchor Bay and then again in Fort Myers Beach, FL where as snowbirds with Greg, she lightened many hearts by sharing her attention and love, starting many activities, and caring for others.

Mom, Mary Ann, we will always miss your smiles and boundless energy.

Service on Tuesday, April 14, 11:00am at St Mary’s Church, 50931 Maria St, New Baltimore, MI 48047

Reception following at the New Baltimore Civic Club, 36551 Main St, New Baltimore, MI 48047

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Anchor Bay Community Foundation at this site, and reference The Greg and Mary Ann Bayer Scholarship Fund:

https://www.abcf.us/donor-form#DonorForm

(Read more about the Greg and Mary Ann Bayer Scholarship at:

https://www.abcf.us/greg-and-mary-ann-bayer-family-government-economics-and-social-studies-scholarship-application )

Or to the New Baltimore Historical Society Brick Campaign at: https://www.newbaltimorehistorical.org/

“You have a hold on my heart that grows not old as days depart”

from an ancient Irish song