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.
