Maryann Baron

Maryann Baron, beloved mother, wife, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on December 2, 1942, and raised in Long Island, New York, she was the cherished daughter of Emily C. Lodato (later Thompson) and James Clark.

From a young age, Maryann developed an abiding love for the beach—never shying away from a chilly wave—and that same bold, adventurous spirit would go on to shape every chapter of her vibrant life. She attended Port Jefferson High School, where she shone brightly both in the classroom and in local beauty pageants. She even went on to compete in larger competitions, including Miss Washington, D.C.

In the early 1960s, Maryann moved to Maryland with her mother and stepfather, architect James Thompson. Shortly after, while attending Arthur Murray’s dance classes, she met a dashing young geophysicist named Greg Baron. The two quickly fell in love and married, beginning a partnership that would span nearly 60 years. Together, they built a rich and beautiful life that took them from Washington, D.C., to Houston, to New Orleans, and eventually back to Maryland.

Maryann began her professional career in retail at the historic Garfinckle’s Department Store in Georgetown. With a natural eye for beauty and an enthusiasm for personal connection, she thrived in the fragrance and beauty industry. She worked as a promotional model in several department stores, where she took great joy in helping others feel their best. In the 1990s, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and opened her own boutique, Espree, in Historic Ellicott City. She also founded and ran Maryann’s Models, combining her love of fashion with her business acumen. Her warmth, elegance, and signature style made her unforgettable to her clients and community alike.

She raised four children across three different states. In each home she created, Maryann fostered warmth, joy, and inclusion. Her children’s friends fondly recall her kindness, her lively table, her laughter, and the way she made everyone feel like family. Those connections remain a testament to the impact of her generous spirit. She was a caregiver throughout her life and especially offered tireless love and support to her mother and her husband Greg in their final years.

In March 2021, she met Peter Davis and found love again. The two shared three joyful years of marriage starting in March 2022, and their relationship was marked by deep companionship, faith, and a lot of Indian and Chinese food. Maryann found joy in life’s simple pleasures: garden walks, heartfelt conversations, good books, long beach days, and Bible study. A devout follower of Christ, her faith guided her with quiet strength and purpose. She adored fashion, flowers, travel, fragrance, and all things purple. She especially loved cruising and exploring new destinations, always drawn to the rhythm of the ocean.

Maryann is survived by her loving husband, Peter Davis, her four children—Emily Ali (Ben), Ben Baron (Stephanie), Blake Baron (Danielle) and Elizabeth Niaz (Matt); and her grandchildren—Arman and Brandon Ali, sons of Emily; Lauren Baron, daughter of Ben; Joaquim and Gabriel Baron, sons of Blake and Isabella, daughter of Elizabeth. She also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones who were touched by her kindness.

She will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her radiant presence, and her unwavering faith. Maryann Baron’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.