Shirley Rita Bauer

Shirley Rita Bauer passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025 after entering the

Hospice program at Pickersgill Retirement Community in Towson, Maryland. She was 96.

She was born in Baltimore, MD and was preceded in death by her husband, Retney A. Bauer.

She is survived by her niece, Mary Carmel Klein of Charlotte, NC as well as several great

nieces.

Shirley spent her early years as a singer in the style of Billie Holliday and traveled the world

alongside her husband, a very accomplished jazz musician. They lived for periods of time in

New York, Washington, DC and eventually in Las Vegas for many years before settling back in

Baltimore in the 1980’s.

During their time in Las Vegas, Shirley pursued an Associates Degree in Occupational Therapy

and eventually worked with young children for the State of Maryland’s Department of Health

Services. She acquired a thorough knowledge of the musculoskelal system and worked in that

field until retirement. She also took up pottery, a hobby which she enjoyed.

Following her husband’s death in 2012, Shirley continued to live independently at their home in

Baltimore City before joining the Assisted Living unit at the Pickersgill Retirement Community in

2021.

Her niece and family extends their sincere thanks to each caring member of the Pickersgill

Community who provided not only continuous care and concern, but companionship and a

lovely home for Mrs. Bauer in the last years of her life. Many thanks also to the caring staff of

the Gilchrist Hospice who became an integral part of her care team in the final two weeks of

her life.