Mary Baynes

Mary Therese Baynes (nee Riordan) died peacefully at Elmhurst Hospital in Elmhurst, IL on Friday, May 26, 2017 after a seven-year struggle with Dementia. She was 64 years old. Mary is survived by her husband, John Baynes; her children, Robert (Holly) Baynes of Omaha, NE, Elizabeth Baynes of Atlanta, GA and Patrick Baynes of Philadelphia, PA; and her siblings, Tom (Mary -Kate) Riordan, Anne (Kevin) Flaherty and Patrick Riordan. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Virginia (McElligott) Riordan of Wausau, WI and her brother, John Riordan. Mary was born in Wausau, Wisconsin in May 24, 1953 to Lawrence and Virginia Riordan. She graduated from Wausau East High School and enjoyed camping and boating throughout her youth. She attended Marymount University, Arlington, VA and returned to Wausau to run The Papagallo shoe store. Mary and John met, when Mary introduced herself to John at a party hosted by her brother, Tom. Mary and John married in March of 1981 and quickly welcomed their first child the following January; two more children came in quick succession. While John was serving in the military, Mary was often the main caretaker of the children and homes. His career took them to Elmwood Park, IL and Conyers, GA and she happily joined him in those new locations. She set up the homes and welcomed in anyone who passed through the doors. She kept busy volunteering with scout troops, sports teams, and after school clubs. She enjoyed hosting parties, playing tennis, road trips, collecting miniature shoes, and walking her dachshunds (Alfred, Lily, Henry, and Oscar). She used to tell her children that she knew she wanted to be a mother from a young age and her kids are evidence of her success on that pursuit. She would light up to see their successes and was very proud of all of them. Once her children left the home for college, she found herself with more time and returned to school to complete her Associate degree in 2009 at Triton College, River Grove, IL. Beyond these facts, Mary was a remarkable and engaging woman. She was friendly to everyone and thoroughly her life. She was passionate about children and her dogs. She had a laugh that was loved by everyone around her and she used it often. Mary was courageous and dedicated. Her courage was evident in 1990 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and more recently as she weathered the challenges of the neurodegenerative effects of Dementia. Mary was above all gentle, playful, and loving; an amazing wife, mother, and friend to those privileged to know her. A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 621 Second Street, Wausau. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). The family would like to thank Elvia Villegas who was able to lengthen Mary's years in the home through her care and attention. The family thanks the staffs of Astoria Nursing Home and Elmbrook Nursing home for their professionalism and kindness in their care for Mary over the last three years. The family would also like to thank the Hospice team (especially the nurses and patient care technicians) of Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, Elmhurst, IL for their excellent, compassionate care for Mary (and the family) in her final week. Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com