Much‑loved Virginia Bauer, age 84, entered into eternal rest on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, May 13, 2026, at Georgetown University Hospital, following a brief illness.
Born on October 20, 1941, in Carmel, California, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Edith Brant. As an Army brat, Virginia spent her childhood traveling the world, living in Germany, Mexico, and Taiwan. These early experiences with diverse cultures and languages sparked a lifelong love of learning—especially history and languages.
In May of 1962, Virginia joyfully entered the Catholic Church, a moment that shaped the rest of her life. Just weeks later, on July 7, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Edmund “Eddie” Bauer, a sailor in the U.S. Navy. Together they built a family rooted in faith, love, and adventure.
More than 50 years ago, Virginia became a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Solomons—a spiritual home she held close to her heart. Her deep love for the Lord Jesus and His Church inspired her to serve joyfully in many ministries, especially those rooted in music and prayer. She dearly loved her closest friends in worship, the Cat ’n Apple gang, whose fellowship meant so much to her. She also held a deep affection for her Latin American friends from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, finding great joy in singing, worshiping, and celebrating life alongside them. She also cherished her beloved “Families in Christ Jesus” group, where faith, friendship, and shared prayer enriched her life in a special way.
With a natural gift for teaching, she shared her knowledge and enthusiasm across decades, teaching a variety of subjects in both private and public schools, as well as serving as a home instructor for the Calvert County Public School System.
Among her greatest joys were time spent with her family, singing, praying, and sailing the Chesapeake Bay with her beloved Eddie. She will be remembered for her joyful, creative spirit, her ready hugs, and her kind, encouraging words. Her five children especially cherish the memories of her adventurous heart—guiding them through countless outings, explorations, camping trips, and long, lazy summer days at Lake Lariat and the BGE pool.
In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Edmund Bauer.
She is survived by her children: Mark (Karen) Bauer, Edgar (Susan) Bauer, Virginia (Andrew) Pontzer, Edith (Thomas) Hoover, and Christopher (Linda) Bauer; her grandchildren: Samantha Hoover, Joseph Hoover, Edward Pontzer, John Paul Pontzer, Andrew Pontzer, Faustina Pontzer, Aubrey Bauer, Bryson Bauer, Sara (Nate Jett) Troescher, and Christopher (Stephanie) Troescher; and her great‑grandchildren: Noah Parks and Calvin Troescher. She is also survived by her brother, Philip Brant II (Lety), and his children, Philip Brant III (Penny) and Monica Brant (Brad) and their mother Patti Brant.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 26, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Solomons, MD.
Visitation will take place in the Historic Church from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM.
Burial will be held at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery on June 25, 2026, at 2:30 PM.
No results available
Jan Priddy Warren
May 26 – Obituary: Ethel “Virginia” Bauer
Sending my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved and beautiful momma. Miss Virginia will always be remembered for her sweetness and that dazzling smile of hers. She was a wonderful friend to my family and we are all saddened by her passing. Saying many prayers for you all during this difficult time. I know with 100% certainty that she is praising The Lord in His presence and reuniting with her love.
Kathleen Walker
May 26 – Obituary: Ethel “Virginia” Bauer
Virginia was young while she was old–and so elegant, especially in that fur coat. Her smile lit up the room. Her faith inspired me so much. I remember praying a decade of the rosary with her 15 years ago….her unique spirituality and gentle way is forever etched in my mind.
God bless Virginia and her family.
Melissa Tierney
May 19 – Obituary: Ethel “Virginia” Bauer
Mrs. Virginia was such a special part of my childhood, my brother’s childhood, and really the whole neighborhood. She was the kind of person who made life feel magical. I still remember her laugh, her guitar, her love for God, her kindness, and the way her home always felt full of warmth, music, stories, books, and something interesting waiting to be discovered.
She was a dear friend to my mom through so many seasons of life — offering wisdom, encouragement, support, and love. She helped guide not only her own family, but so many of us neighborhood kids too. When we needed correction, she gave it gently and wisely. When we needed encouragement, she gave that freely too.
Some of my favorite memories are of summers in the neighborhood, holidays, singing with her, visiting her beautiful home, and all the little moments that somehow became unforgettable because she was part of them. I especially remember being invited to a Passover gathering with her and her friends when I was younger. It was such a memorable experience and something that stayed with me over the years.
She reminded me so much of Maria from The Sound of Music and a bit of Mary Poppins too — joyful, creative, nurturing, and full of life.
She truly made an impact on my faith and on my life growing up. I know so many people were touched by her kindness and generosity.
I’m heartbroken that I cannot be there in person as I’m currently in India, and I deeply regret not getting one more visit with her. But I am so grateful for the memories, the laughter, the guidance, and the love she gave so freely over the years.
She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.
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