91 year-old Mary Louise (Cardinal) Bauer, a beacon of loving kindness and wisdom, passed away in Vincennes, IN, on January 6, 2025. Born on May 28, 1933, in the same hometown she cherished throughout her life, she was a constant source of warmth and care to all who knew her.
Mary led a life marked by devotion to her family and service to others. She married the love of her life, John “Dick” Richard Bauer, on December 27, 1952, in Vincennes, IN, and together they built a home filled with laughter, love, and the sweet aroma of home-cooked meals with lots of her own canned goods. Her familial embrace extended far beyond her own children as she cared for others with the same tenderness in her professional work as a nurse at local nursing homes.
She is survived by a family who adored her and whom she adored in return: her husband of 72 years, John “Dick” Bauer of Vincennes, IN, her children Daniel Bauer (Kim) of Vincennes, IN, Chandra Dognaux of Vincennes, IN, Damon Bauer (Stacey) of Bruceville, IN, and Aaron Bauer (Elizabeth) of Vincennes, IN. She was a cherished grandmother to 11 grandchildren: Andrew Bauer, Matthew Bauer (Karisa), Nickolas Bauer, Erich Bauer (Courtney), Trevor Bauer (Taylor), Katie (Bauer) Bullock (Micah), Jonathan “J.D.” Dognaux (Autumn), Dylan Dognaux, Daniel Dognaux, James Dognaux, and Jordan Dognaux, and a doting great-grandmother to 10 great-grandchildren: Adam Bauer, Brayden Bauer, Liam Bauer, Emma Bauer, Charlie Bauer, Brenden Bullock, Aiden Bauer, Adalynn Bauer, Remi Bauer, and Archer Bullock. Mary’s spirit is also carried on by her caring siblings: Carolyn Pennington (Jerry) of Middletown, OH, Hilda Hutton of Vincennes, IN, Dorothy Weber (Larry) of Teutopolis, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews. She now reunites with her dear parents, Louis Roscoe Cardinal and Cecilia Mary (Witteried) Cardinal, her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Margaret Cardinal, and son-in-law Richard “Dick” Dognaux, who preceded her in death
Mary’s commitment to her community was evident in her involvement with Sacred Heart Church, her service with the Pink Ladies, and her participation in the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. Through these associations, she touched countless lives with her gentle heart and giving nature.
Mary graduated from St. Rose in 1951, an education that led her to the nursing profession, a career that spanned years of compassionate care, and a home that was a sanctuary to many — Mary’s legacy is immeasurable. Her remarkable ability to weave kindness and wisdom into the fabric of everyday life left a lasting impression on all those she encountered.
It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Mary Louise (Cardinal) Bauer, yet her indelible influence remains. She created a world around her that glowed brighter with her love, a love that will continue to guide her family and her community for generations to come.
There will be a visitation for the public on Monday, January 13, 2025 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Sacred Heart Church with mass following officiated by Father Tony Ernst. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences and fond memories may be made at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Vincennes Chapel, is honored to be entrusted with Mary’s arrangements.
Comments