Mary Patricia Baima (née O'Brien): A Generous Heart and Caring Soul

Mary Patricia Baima (née O'Brien), 76, a vibrant resident of The Villages, Florida, since 2016, died on October 4, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 15, 1949, Mary was the daughter of Emmett Michael O'Brien and Ellen Christine McLaughlin O'Brien, the beloved wife of the late Joseph Baima, and the longtime and loving companion of the late James Colello.

Mary was the embodiment of generosity and warmth. She had a trusting heart that led her to take people in and make them feel like family. The family unit was central to her life; she was a firm believer in the tradition of always eating together. Mary was not just a step-mother to John (Robyn), Michael (Ramona), and Marie (Steve) Korn—she was always there for them as a good mentor and a steady presence.

She found joy in her dogs and in the culinary traditions she shared with Joseph, most notably the hours they spent together making homemade ravioli the old-fashioned way. Though she and Joseph loved their adventures on Windjammer cruises, Mary was never one for extravagance, always remaining content with the basic necessities of life. She lived by the code of service: always there to help and never putting herself first.

In her later years, Mary thrived in Florida, pursuing her passions as an avid golfer. She also found pleasure in card games with her wide circle of friends and the quiet challenge of Sudoku.

She is survived by her loving siblings: Rosellyn O'Brien, her twin sister Teresa (Donald) Dunhac, and Robert (Susan) O'Brien. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Baima, and her brother, Richard (Kathleen) O'Brien.

She was a cherished step-grandmother to Anthony, Bryan, Angela, Brian, Christopher, Nicholas, Adriana, Octavian and Matei. A step-great-grandmother to nine. A loving aunt to Ronald, Laura, Kelli, Michael, Jill, Kathleen, Daniel, and Evan.

Mary's legacy of unwavering support and selflessness will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Memorial services are planned for The Villages and in Chicago. The logistics will be communicated at a later date.