Nancy Ann Bauer

Nancy A. Bauer, nee Pillman, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Tuesday January 21, 2025, at the age of 91. Beloved wife of the late Norman J. Bauer; loving daughter of the late Clarence F. and Erna L., nee Ahmann, Pillman; devoted mother of Sandy A. (Steve) Graham, Kurt J. (Kathleen) Bauer, Eric J. (Angela) Bauer; cherished grandmother of Erin (Brian) Moeckel, Daniel (Erica) Graham, Laura (Neal) Borowiak, Stephanie (Trey) Prewitt, Amy (Joseph) Puleo, Joseph (Katie) Bauer, Scott (Savannah) Bauer, Emily Bauer, Rachel Bauer, Andrea Bauer, and Luke (Olivia) Bauer; treasured Nana of 23 great-grandchildren; caring sister of the late Doris I. Hodak; dearest aunt, sister-in-law, and compassionate friend to MANY. 

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” --Maya Angelou 

Nancy, daughter of Clarence F. and Erna L. Pillman (nee Ahmann), was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 27, 1933. She attended Rose Fanning Grade School and Roosevelt High School, where she made many lifelong friends. Her family spent many summer weekends with extended family in Marthasville, MO where she developed her love for the outdoors and fearless character. 

After high school, she worked at Union Electric, making more lasting friendships. Friends introduced her to Norman Bauer and on August 29, 1953, they were married. They had three children and built their home in Mehlville, MO, once again making more close lifetime friendships with her neighbors. Nancy created a warm, comfortable home filled with love and support. She instilled in her children the value of caring for family and friends by the example she set – especially her devotion to our grandparents. Holidays and other special occasions celebrated with extended family were very important, creating many strong bonds and lasting memories. Nancy always had a large part in the planning and preparations. She had very close relationships with her sister and sister-in-laws and loved getting together with them. She truly loved every minute spent with family and was usually the last to leave every gathering. 

At the age of only 41, her entire world was completely rocked when God took her beloved Norman to Heaven. With the grace, strength, and resilience she always possessed, along with the support of an incredibly loving family, she picked up the pieces and led us through this devastating time. She went to work fulltime at Boatmen’s Bank, yet again making some of her best and most lasting friendships. She did it all! She continued to provide a wonderful, nurturing home, making sure we had everything we needed, keeping a spotlessly clean house and one of the nicest looking lawns in the neighborhood. Her hard work, energy, and devotion to family and friends was boundless. 

Her family grew as each child married and began having children of their own. Her eleven grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she spent as much time with them as she could – babysitting (dogs too), going to as many games and events as possible, driving them to appointments, taking them on outings and creating memories. She had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh with them, and had special inside jokes with many. Her devotion, support, and love for her grandchildren was unmatched. The deep pride she had for each may have led to some excessive bragging and showing of photographs. She was the most thoughtful gift giver. I don’t think she ever went anywhere without one of her famous bags filled with the snacks she knew someone liked, cute clothes, toys, books, hand towels for every holiday and season. She loved to shop for others, and always seemed to find just the perfect gift. We will treasure these more than ever now. 

Her family continued to grow as grandchildren married and had children of their own. She delighted in each shower and wedding. Nothing made her happier than being Nana! More babies to hold, nurture and babysit, more games and events to attend, more gifts to give, more pictures to show and more fun at the holidays. Once again, she built special bonds and treasured memories with yet another generation that will last a lifetime. 

What a wonderful legacy - to have touched so many lives with kindness and unwavering love. We are truly blessed to have this angel in Heaven watching over us. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Nancy’s visitation will be held on February 1, 2025, at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church from 9:30AM until 10:30AM funeral Mass. Inurnment in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.