Nancy Renee Baumann

In Loving Memory

Nancy Renee Baumann, a cherished soul whose kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met, passed away peacefully at 9:30pm on January 14, 2026, at the age of 59. With her family by her side in Barrington, Illinois, Nancy concluded her courageous battle with breast cancer with the same grace, strength, and warmth that defined her life.

Born on September 8, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, Nancy grew up with a bright, creative energy that naturally drew people in. From an early age, she expressed herself through art, design, and the thoughtful way she noticed beauty in the world around her. These qualities carried her into adulthood, shaping the loving woman, devoted partner, and nurturing mother she became.

Nancy met the love of her life, Edward Carl Baumann, and their connection became a true partnership, rooted in laughter, unwavering support, and a deep understanding of one another. To Edward, Nancy was breathtakingly beautiful; her outer beauty matched only by the kindness and gentleness of her heart. He will forever miss her smile, her presence, and the way her very being lit up every room she walked into.

Together, they built a home defined by love, warmth, and open arms. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Michael Carl and Sierra Holly, who were not only the pride of her life but also the heart she poured her love into every day. To them, Nancy was more than a mother; she was a safe place, a constant encourager, and the person who made every moment feel special.

Guided by her passion for beauty and artistic touch, Nancy pursued a degree in Interior Design from Harper College. Her talent flourished at Wakama Pottery and Pier 1 Imports, where her creativity brought comfort, personality, and joy into countless homes. She had a unique gift for creating spaces that reflected warmth, an extension of her own spirit.

Beyond her work, Nancy found joy in the simple, meaningful moments. She loved losing herself in a good book, savoring a cup of her favorite tea, and laughing late into the night during family game nights. The beach was her happy place-the peaceful rhythm of the waves, the glow of a sunset, and the feeling of sand beneath her feet brought her comfort and contentment. She had a way of finding beauty in life's smallest details, reminding those around her to appreciate quiet, tender moments.

Nancy's kindness extended effortlessly to everyone she encountered. She had a rare ability to make people feel deeply seen, welcomed, and valued. Her smile was warm, her presence calming, and her love unending. Whether offering a listening ear, a thoughtful gesture, or simply her gentle companionship, Nancy left an imprint that will be carried forever by those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband, Edward, her steady partner and best friend; and her beloved children, Michael and Sierra, who carry forward her compassion, strength, and joyful spirit. Together, they will honor her memory by living with the love and kindness she taught them so well.

Michael's Tribute to Nancy:

Mom, I never would have thought I would be writing something like this so soon and that I would be living the rest of my life without you. Losing you was the hardest test as a mother you have given me yet, but I trust with your love and all of your lessons I will push forward and live a life in your image and likeness.

A mothers love for her son is an indescribable definition of life that has gone on forever in time. That's what you showed me my entire life and a feeling and emotion I can never replace in my heart. The love and care you showed me made me the man I am today and my promise is to make you proud as you continue to look down on me from up above.

I loved the way you supported me through all my failures and how you comforted me in times of need when something had gone awry in my life. You stood by me through all my triumphs as the loving mother you were and showed me that with faith you can achieve incredible things. My hope is to show you that I can live a life you wanted me to live even if you aren't able to see it come to fruition.

I'll miss the laughs we shared, the kisses you gave me, the lessons you taught me, the tears and fears I shared with you so life would feel brighter on the other side. I'll miss having someone to talk to about life and how I should go about improving it. I'll

miss the vacations as a family, the holidays I would get off from school and come home, and I'll miss the times you would make me smile and lighten my days up when nothing had seemed to go right.

Mom, my biggest and deepest regret is that I wish I could have told you I loved you more. It's something I will have to live with my entire life but I believe that deep down you knew how much I loved you and how much I still do. The family and I will continue to fight the good fight in your honor and show that you can fight on in our biggest moments of weakness.

Mom, you may not be with us here on Earth anymore but you're in a better place up in Heaven with God, a place we all know you wanted to be when the day had come.

We hope you are resting peacefully now and we will continue to honor you with our actions the rest of our days.

I love you Mom and I will miss you until my day of reckoning comes. We all will miss you dearly but my heart and head keep saying we will see part of your light in everyday passing. It will leave a reminder for us that you're still here like you never left. I don't want this to be goodbye because that would mean I'm letting you so rather see you later Mom. Don't forget our love because we will never forget yours. Love from all of us and live forever and always in God's Kingdom.

Sierra's Tribute to Nancy:

Mom, thank you for every hug you wrapped me in, every lesson you taught me, and every ounce of love you gave me. You shaped my heart, my strength, and the way I see the world. Everything good in me has your fingerprints on it. I hope you knew how deeply I loved you, and how much you meant to me, not just as my mom, but as my best friend, my safe place, and the person who always made me feel seen and understood.

I loved it when you yelled at me for the stupidest things, because I always felt loved just knowing you cared about me. Those moments reminded me that your love was real, that you were invested in me, and that you wanted the best for me, even when I didn't understand it at the time. I'll never forget how you supported me in rugby, cheering me on even when I doubted myself, and how you taught me about life in ways I never knew I needed, lessons about resilience, kindness, and standing up for myself that I will carry forever.

I will always miss calling you after every class in college, telling you the smallest, silliest details of my day, and going on and on just to hear your voice. I loved hearing your laugh, your advice, your stories, and even just the way you made the ordinary moments feel special. Those late-night talks, the shared jokes, and the simple comfort of knowing you were there for me will stay with me forever. You made me feel important, loved, and capable of anything.

I don't know how to move forward without you, but I promise I'll make you proud every day. I'll hold onto your voice in my memory, your laughter, your warmth, and the way you always made everything feel okay, even when life was hard. I'll look for you in every sunset, because you loved them so much and because I know your beauty, your light, and your spirit will be reflected in every color of the sky.

Rest peacefully, Mom. The world feels quieter and dimmer without you here, but I know heaven has gained the most beautiful soul. Your light didn't disappear. It lives in me, in our family, and in everyone who feels your love. I love you forever, Mom, and I will carry you with me always.

Nancy's life was a testament to gentleness, resilience, and unconditional love. Though her journey on earth has come to a close, her legacy lives on in the hearts of the family she adored, the friends she uplifted, and the countless lives she touched. Her memory will forever be treasured, her love forever felt.