Mary Jo Baran
September 19th, 1948 - June 13th, 2025
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Mary Jo's Obituary
Mary Jo Baran, 76, of New Buffalo, MI, passed away at Franciscan Health Center in Michigan City, IN, on Friday – June 13, 2025. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel – 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI.
Mary Jo was born on Sept. 19, 1948 in Evergreen Park, IL to the late Al and Dorothy (Barker) Elwert.
Mary Jo was a 1966 graduate of Oak Lawn High School, and furthered her education at Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. She was a teacher in various schools throughout the area. On June 3, 1972 in Palos Heights, IL, she married Charles “Chuck” Michael Baran, Jr. Mary Jo was a member of the New Buffalo Service League, the YMCA of Michigan City, IN, Baby Talk in Michigan City, the Book Club and the Breakfast Club. She will be missed by her family and many friends.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband – Chuck; her children – Sarah (Dawon) Griffin of Buchanan, MI, Charles Baran, III of New Buffalo, MI, and Rachael Baran of Klamath Falls, OR; grandchildren – Marquis Tyler and AJ Brazil; step-grandchildren – Raekwon and Cameron; great grandchildren – Cambrie, Chance, Kayzlie, Xavier, Olive, Jacian, Nova, Titus and Eliza; sister – Nancy Elwert of Sequim, WA; and a brother – Warren Elwert of Burbank, IL.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will take place on Sat. Sept. 20 2025 at the New Buffalo American Legion Post #169 from 12-8pm. Memorial contributions in memory of Mary Jo may be made to the New Buffalo American Legion Post.
Mary Jo was born on Sept. 19, 1948 in Evergreen Park, IL to the late Al and Dorothy (Barker) Elwert.
Mary Jo was a 1966 graduate of Oak Lawn High School, and furthered her education at Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. She was a teacher in various schools throughout the area. On June 3, 1972 in Palos Heights, IL, she married Charles “Chuck” Michael Baran, Jr. Mary Jo was a member of the New Buffalo Service League, the YMCA of Michigan City, IN, Baby Talk in Michigan City, the Book Club and the Breakfast Club. She will be missed by her family and many friends.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband – Chuck; her children – Sarah (Dawon) Griffin of Buchanan, MI, Charles Baran, III of New Buffalo, MI, and Rachael Baran of Klamath Falls, OR; grandchildren – Marquis Tyler and AJ Brazil; step-grandchildren – Raekwon and Cameron; great grandchildren – Cambrie, Chance, Kayzlie, Xavier, Olive, Jacian, Nova, Titus and Eliza; sister – Nancy Elwert of Sequim, WA; and a brother – Warren Elwert of Burbank, IL.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will take place on Sat. Sept. 20 2025 at the New Buffalo American Legion Post #169 from 12-8pm. Memorial contributions in memory of Mary Jo may be made to the New Buffalo American Legion Post.
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