Mary Ann Bauer

Mary Ann was born on October 27, 1927 in Long Beach California to Elsie Marion Davis Riddick and Joseph Brand Riddick II. She grew up in the Long Beach area and enjoyed music at family events and hearing her Mom and Dad perform regularly at local churches as well as horseback riding in the mountains. She started piano lessons at age eight leading to a lifetime love of piano and organ music. She sang in the Girls Glee Club at Franklin Jr. High School in Long Beach and was also involved in singing at Polytechnic High School in Long Beach although she had to work very hard at her studies which did not come easy.

After High School graduation Mary Ann chose to continue her education at Pomona College in Claremont, California majoring in music history and graduating four years later although studying was still a struggle. She then attended Whittier College to earn her Kindergarten-Primary teaching credential. Mary Ann then accepted a teaching position at the Anaheim School System and after two years there she moved to Long Beach and taught at Cubberly, Barton, and Buffum elementary schools.

Mary Ann met Andrew Bauer at a meeting of a youth group at the First Methodist Church in Long Beach. Dating went well and they were married in a beautiful fall wedding on her birthday on October 27, 1956 at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Long Beach. They lived in a home in Lakewood Village, 4245 Greenbrier Road while Andy worked at Douglas Aircraft and Mary Ann continued teaching. Son Ken joined the family here two years later.

After many moves including some time in the Bay Area while Andy earned a Ph.D. from Stanford University they settled in a home at 627 E Monroe Ave in Orange, California in June of 1964 where they stayed the remainder of their lives. Daughter Becky joined the family here in 1967.

It was here in Orange that Mary Ann found herself seeking answers to questions about life after death following the death of her father with whom she was very close. She and Andy had been attending a variety of local churches and found peace and the answers they were searching for in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This became a big part of their lives as they were both actively involved and Mary Ann was known for her service playing the organ for meetings, teaching, and other musical activities.

Mary Ann taught music lessons from her home in Orange in addition to being a dedicated wife and Mother. Piano and organ students made weekly visits to the home for lessons and recitals were a regular part of the household as well. Many former students to this day still express gratitude for the kindness and help they received from Mary Ann over the years. Mary Ann also was involved with the local MTA (Music Teachers Association) and served in many capacities to promote music education and was known for the wonderful scrapbooks she would create covering MTA events.

A highlight of Mary Ann’s later years was a trip with Andy and friends to see and play the great organs in Europe in 1993. To walk where Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and others had tread created life long memories.

Mary Ann was also able to be involved and help with some of her grandchildren and was truly loved by all who knew her. She will be remembered for always offering fresh baked cookies to visitors and standing in front of her house and waving goodbye when they left.

Mary Ann passed away peacefully on March 19, 2023 in Santa Ana, California.

A funeral service for Mary Ann will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 674 S Yorba St., Orange, CA 92869.

A dedication will occur Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 9:00 AM at Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorial.com for the Bauer family.