Obituary of Elizabeth Ann Baron

Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Baron, 86, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2021, in Aiken, South Carolina. Libby was born on March 31, 1935, in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, the third of five children to Captain Edward Thomas McCarthy and Mary Duane (Hogue) McCarthy, both of Corning, New York. During World War II the family moved back to Corning when Edward was called up to active duty. Growing up alongside relatives from both sides of the family, Libby developed life-long friendships with her young cousins and often spoke fondly of those early years. The family later settled in Ashtabula, Ohio, where Libby graduated from Edgewood High School and went on to obtain her nursing degree from St. John’s Hospital in Cleveland. On January 21, 1956, Libby married the love of her life, John Thomas Baron. The couple remained in Ashtabula where they raised seven children. After her youngest reached school age, Libby worked part time at Garfield’s Restaurant and later returned to her roots as a caregiver at various nursing homes. Libby was one of a kind, a devoted wife, mother and friend. She cherished her time with her lovingly large family, church and social community and in her free time enjoyed reading, the challenge of a 2000-piece puzzle, volunteering, and playing cards. Christmas would find her baking cookies by the hundreds and making homemade gifts. Her adventurous spirit took her on many a trip throughout the US and abroad, her traveling companions her close friends and family members. One such trip led to a move to Fort Myers, Florida, where she and John spent many happy retirement years. She had a zest for life, an endearing smile for everyone, and an infectious good nature. In the words of a dear friend, Libby traveled the road with lots of faith and fun. She is survived by her children, Mike (Sherry) Baron of Tulum, Mexico, Cathy (Steve) Lash of Sugarcreek, OH, Joan (Rob) Waddle of Bowling Green, OH, Mary (Jeff) Patzer of Spring Creek, NV, Patty (Eric) Parks of Aiken, SC, and John (Neza) Baron of Burnsville, MN; her brothers E. Thomas (Mary) McCarthy of Oakland, CA, and Robert (Gloria) McCarthy of Daytona Beach, FL and by her sister-in-law Laura Lee McCarthy of Ashtabula, OH; twelve grandchildren who cherish their grandma and all the happy memories they made, as well as thirteen greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Libby was preceded in death by her beloved husband John and son William “Bill”; her parents; her sister Mary; her brother William; and her grandson, Daniel Lash. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Peace Parish, 3312 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio,44004: (https://olopash.org/) or to your local Golden Harvest Food Bank (https://goldenharvest.org/). The family also thanks the staff at Cumberland Village and The Hills, and the employees at Daybreak for their compassion and caring of our mother. Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect, Ashtabula, Ohio, 44004 is assisting the family. www.ducro.com