Mary Baughman

Mary Baughman cultivated family, authentic connection, peace, and love one hug, one kiss on the cheek, one pot of sauce, one meeting, and one adventure at a time.

She grew up in Piscataway, New Jersey where her Jersey-Irish-Italian family taught her how to show love with good food, win at cards, ease the anxiety of someone you cared about, and stand up for yourself—all in one evening. Mary’s family, immediate and extended, were source and recipient of incredible love throughout her life. Her siblings were a regular source of joy (apart from maybe a few years when she had to share a room). Her across-the-street grandmother (Kee) was her earliest mentor. She cultivated in Mary a knack for honesty and human connection that served her throughout life.

After graduating from Lycoming College with a degree in Mathematics, she married Ron Baughman. Five decades of deep, mutual devotion rooted her life in ever-present love. They were tender with each other. Together they raised a son, Mike, who never questioned their love, always knew their support, and learned what it means to be an outstanding parent across every chapter of life. Mary inspires many of his best moments as a parent, nonprofit leader, and pastor.

Mary's professional life impacted millions. At AT&T, she broke gender barriers while pioneering telecommunications initiatives for under-resourced countries and continents. She earned her Master’s Degree in Statistics from Rutgers University. After early retirement, she became Executive Director of Jersey Battered Women's Services during a time of massive agency growth and national dialogue on domestic violence. She lobbied Congress and stood in the White House Rose Garden as President George W. Bush signed new protections for survivors into law. After JBWS, she served on the Board of AAA Northeast, which she chaired in her final year of life. She saw the humanity in every colleague and drew out their best.

Retiring from JBWS led her to her most joyful vocation: grandmother. Together with Ron, she moved halfway across the country to be near her grandchildren: Griffin, Bekah, Sylvia & Thomas. She attended to their thoughts, marveled at their accomplishments, showed them far-away places, contributed to a few cavities with after-school snacks, and grounded them with endless assurance that they are deeply loved.

Throughout life, she gained the devotion of countless people across New Jersey, Texas, and Florida. She battled depression and found meaning in facing the harder truths of life. Mary led church councils, capital campaigns and chapters of United Methodist Women. She volunteered with youth groups and mentored children in the Florida foster care system. She stood up for causes and people she believed in. It was life-changing to be loved by Mary and a joy to love her.

Mary was born on September 24th, 1952. On April 3rd, 2026 she succumbed to cancer while family held her with love.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her dear friend Leslie Hinman, and her brother-in-law David Calo. She is survived by her beloved Ron; her siblings Tom and Maria, Janet and Stan, Beth and John, and Eileen; her son Mike and daughter-in-law Natalie; and her grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will continue her love and tell her stories for generations to come.