It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret (Maggie) Ann Baum (nee: Cooney) on October 30, 2024, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and loyal friend. Margaret departed from us peacefully, leaving a lasting legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering support that touched the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.
Margaret was a cornerstone of her family and community—a woman whose warmth and compassion created a safe harbor for everyone she encountered. Known for her gentle spirit and boundless patience, she had a remarkable ability to make others feel heard and valued, always offering comfort, wisdom, and a bright smile. Her devotion to her children was unmatched; they were her deepest pride and her guiding purpose.
To her siblings, Margaret was more than a sister; she was a confidante and a constant source of strength. To her nieces, nephews, and cousins, she was a mentor and friend, always ready with a kind word, a listening ear, or a shared laugh. Her compassion reached far beyond her immediate family, as Margaret naturally extended her love and care to friends and strangers alike, ever ready to offer help, guidance, or encouragement.
Margaret’s legacy of kindness, grace, and empathy will live on, as a beacon for all who had the fortune of knowing her. Though she may have left this world, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her gentle soul.
Margaret is survived by her son, Brian Vessells, and his wife, Audrey; her granddaughter, Payton; her brothers Robert Cooney and Butch (Nancy) Cooney; her sister, Diane (Terry) Eickel; her stepchildren, Ed (Christy) Baum and Linda (Bill) Truccano, and her grandchildren, Cody Vessells, Nick Baum, Alex (Beth) Baum, Caitlyn Baum, Elijah Baum, Graceanne Baum, Sarah Truccano and great-grandchildren Carson, Joanna, Emma & Addyson She is now reunited with those who preceded her in passing: her husband, James Baum; her parents, Wilma and Glennon Meinberg; her son, Chris Vessells; her brother, John Cooney and her granddaughter, Gabrielle Baum.
In remembrance of Margaret, her family kindly requests that a celebration of her life be held at Kutis Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 on Monday, November 4, 2024, Visitation 9:30am until funeral service at 11:00am. May we all carry her memory forward, honoring her by living with the same love and compassion that she so freely shared. In remembrance of Margaret, her family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to a cause close to her heart: Alzheimer’s Association | Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Help or American Diabetes Association – Diabetes Research, Education, Advocacy | ADA.
My mom told me stories of what a kind, gentle person Cousin Maggie was as a child. I feel blessed to have spent time with her as an adult. She truly was special and the world has lost one of the best God made. I will cherish the time I was able to spend with her and will try to live my life as she lived hers, some pretty big shoes to fill. You made a positive mark on this world and deserve to be free of pain. Thanks for the wonderful memories Cousin Maggie.