Mary V. Bauer, 98, of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of 414 Evers Avenue, St. Marys, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Elk Haven Nursing Home with her loving family by her side. 

She was born August 3, 1925, in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Matilda Smithbauer Young.  Mary was a lifelong resident of St. Marys.  She attended St. Marys Parochial School. Over the years, she was employed at The Daily Press where she led a feisty crew of early-morning inserters.  She was an avid bingo player, enjoyed playing cards, sharing a beer at family gatherings or with anyone stopping by her house, reading, working on search-a words and watching the Hallmark channel and mystery movies. 

On June 30, 1945, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she married the late Harold A. Bauer, who preceded her in death on June 21, 1989. They were blessed with 44 years of marriage.

Mary is survived by four children: her daughter, Yvonne ‘Von’ Cherry (Mike) of St. Marys and three sons, Wayne Bauer (Ann) of St. Marys, Jim Bauer (Cathie) of St. Marys, and Perry Bauer (Sue) of DuBois.

She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Cory Bauer (Amanda) of Raleigh, North Carolina; Randy Bauer (Jen) of Latrobe, PA; Marty Bauer (Kelly) of Park City, Utah; Adam Bauer (Jackie) of Kersey; Grace Manno (Ryan) of Doylestown, PA; Anna Devine of North Wales, PA; Jen Cherry of St. Marys; Amy Cherry of St. Marys; Noah Bauer (Carmen) of Williamsport, PA; Sarah Lightner (Ryan) of Louisa, Virginia; and Zachary Bauer (Kelsey) of Phoenixville, PA. Mary also leaves behind 13 great-grandchildren, one brother, Tony Young (Jane) of St. Marys and a very dear nephew, Kurt Richards.

Along with her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by: three sisters, Anna Cheatle, Barbara Hanes, and Rita Uhl; six brothers, Servanus, Joseph, Edward, Alfred, Richard, and James Young; and two great-grandchildren. 

She was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Not only was she the matriarch of the Bauer family, but was also its spiritual leader.  As a devout Catholic, Mary was quick to offer prayers for all those in need.  Her warm hugs, bright smile, and gentle ways were sure to warm your heart and make any day better.  Every Sunday Mary found great joy in preparing a homemade dinner for her family who treated each meal as a mini family reunion.  Christmas was a special time for the family as they gathered for the traditional meal featuring Mary’s homemade chicken noodle soup, which has been passed down to her children and grandchildren along with her beloved hoagies and fudge.  While residing at Silver Creek Terrace over the past year, Mary frequently enjoyed sharing many of her sweet treats with her fellow meal time table-mates and other residents. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, celebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  The Mass will be streamed on the St. Mary’s Church YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@saintmarysparish1411

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. 

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Silver Creek Terrace, Activities Fund, 791 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or in Mary’s name to a favorite charity. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com