Elizabeth Kathleen Wall Baumann

Elizabeth Kathleen Wall Baumann , known affectionately as "Betty," passed away peacefully on July 20, 2010 at her daughter's home in Ithaca, NY. Betty was 92-years-old. She was the beloved wife of 52 years of the late Charles E. Baumann, and was the extraordinary mother of four children who survive her: Dr. John (Marcelline) Baumann of Pennington, NJ; Mary (Joseph) Pesaresi of Ithaca, NY; Michael (Theresa) Baumann, Esq. of Rolling Hills, CA; and James (Patricia) Baumann of St. Simon's Island, GA. Her family extended to eleven grandchildren: Brian Baumann, Wesley Gleason, Sara Pesaresi Kreher, Marcelline Baumann, Anne Pesaresi Hewitt, Jim Baumann, Jack Baumann, Tim Baumann, Genevieve Baumann, Lexi Baumann and Nick Baumann. She is survived by her brother William Wall of Seattle, WA and many well-loved nieces and nephews.

Betty, who held faith and family sacred, was a woman of fine intelligence, decided opinions, sparkling wit, endless curiosity, genuine kindness, and fulsome generosity. She was as quick with a sharp quip as she was with a laugh.

She was born in Seattle, WA, the third child in a family of five surviving children, and a first generation American. Her life in Seattle was interrupted for a few years during her early days when she lived in Ireland. She spent most of her childhood exploring the beauty of Woodland Park, Green Lake and Puget Sound, and these adventures formed the core of marvelous tales. Betty was a renowned storyteller, mesmerizing her children and grandchildren.

Betty's parents met in Seattle, although her mother, Kathleen V. Carr, was born and raised in Drohegda and her father, John F. Wall was a sea captain from the town of Wicklow, both locations in Ireland.

A 1938 graduate of the University of Washington, Betty was a dedicated professional as a Registered Dietitian and licensed nutritionist. She held positions of responsibility at Barnes Hospital, McClelland Air Corps Field in Sacramento, CA, and Marine Hospital in Seattle.

While visiting her sister Mary in Washington, DC, Betty met Charles Baumann, a young builder. They married and settled in Maryland where they lived their fifty-two-year adventure, raising their family in a home built by Charles. During this time, Betty worked from home, while Charles developed various properties. When their "nest" was empty, they built their dream home on the waterfront of Swan Creek in Fort Washington, MD. Here they welcomed all family and friends with warm hospitality that included boat rides on the Potomac, holiday feasts, and casual gatherings. At this point, Betty, who had held a number of consulting positions as a Registered Dietitian during her years raising her family, resumed her career at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

Upon retirement, Betty and Charles loved to travel internationally and domestically, often in the company of their children and grandchildren. They explored the DC area's many museums, monuments and historic attractions. A prolific reader, Betty enjoyed the proximity of the Library of Congress as much as she enjoyed the library at Oxon Hill. When Charles passed away in 2001, Betty continued her travels, visiting her children around the country.

Visiting hours will be from 2pm - 4pm and 7pm - 9pm on Friday, July 30 at the main church of St. Mary's, 13401 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD. A mass of resurrection will be held at 10 am Saturday, July 31 at the small church of St. Mary's. Expressions of remembrance can be made to the Lee Funeral Home, 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, MD 20735, 301-868-0900.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Elizabeth Baumann to The Auxiliary to the Isabella McCosh Infirmary of Princeton University, PO Box 81, Princeton, NJ 08542. Betty was a fervent supporter of the McCosh Infirmary over the course of forty-one years. She believed they were marvelous caregivers to Princeton students, including her two sons, John '73 and Mike '76, and her grandchildren Brian '03 and Marcelline '07.