Maryanna W. Baumann, 80, of Lenox, died suddenly Friday morning at Berkshire Medical Center with her husband, children, and grandchildren by her side. She was born on March 2, 1944, in Perth Amboy, N.J., to the late William and Helen Kamyk Wuest.
Maryann was a 1962 graduate of Edison High School. After high school, she attended Ryder College in New Jersey. She worked in the Lenox Public Schools as a teacher’s aide and in other early-childhood educational centers. After retirement, Maryann devoted her time to caring for her elderly family members and her grandchildren. She will always be remembered as the “best Grandma a kid could have” and spent countless hours creating loving and fun experiences for her grandchildren.

Maryann was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and was the secretary for the Catholic Daughter’s. She loved her home in Lenox. She was talented in the garden and the kitchen. Decorating for and celebrating the holidays were very important, and this legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren who also love to do the same. Maryann was usually the first one to offer help or a meal to someone in need. She volunteered for years with the St. Ann’s Prayer Shawl Ministry. She enjoyed many special lifelong friendships in Lenox, with a special fondness for her Brunell Ave neighbors.
Maryann married Robert J. Baumann on June 27, 1964. They would have celebrated 61 years of marriage in June. They met as teenagers on the Jersey Shore and grew to create a long-lasting loving relationship that was an inspiration to so many people. It is hard to imagine Bob without “his Maryann.” During their 67 years together they had many adventures that took them all over the world.
Along with her husband Bob of Lenox, Maryann is survived by her children, Roberta A. Massaconi (Mark) of Delaware and William M. Baumann (Natasha) of Florida, and her three grandchildren, Reilly, MaryCatherine, and Ahna. Maryann was an only child; however, her childhood was enriched with very special cousins who were like sisters. She leaves Barbara Chippendale of New Jersey and was predeceased by Delores Hardt. The family takes comfort knowing that Maryann and DeeDee are together once again, laughing and causing a bit of mischief at the same time. Maryann also leaves Helene Gonick of South Carolina.
Maryann loved animals and wildlife—especially her dogs she cared for over the years, as well as the birds in her yard and even the bears. In her later years, she loved visits from her great-grand dogs, Barkely, Piper, Juniper, and Teddy. She always had special treats for them at the ready. They loved her dearly, but the feeling was mutual.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Ann Church in Lenox, with Fr. CJ Waitekus officiating. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery. There will be calling hours from 9 to 10:15 a.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maryann’s memory may be made to St. Ann Church in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240. To share memories and stories, please visit the funeral home’s website.