Catherine (Kay) A. Baumann

Catherine (Kay) A. Baumann of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2026. Catherine was 91 years old. She was born in 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Catherine and Samuel Reynolds. Sister of Janet (Beer, deceased) and Shirley Szerbin.Former wife of Ronald Earl Guim, and Gustave Baumann, both deceased. 

Devoted and loving mother to the Guim boys, Ronald Earl, Jr., Barry Samuel (deceased), Michael Raymond and Gregory Patrick and Sandra Doll-Guim. Adoring MeeMaw to David, Mia, Samantha, Elise, Lindsay, Michael and Haley.

Kay’s indomitable spirit of love, commitment to family, resolve, and strong work ethic were forged by her Great Depression era parents “Kit and Sam” in the Kensington neighborhood section of Philadelphia. After graduating from Jules E. Mastbaum Vocational-Technical High School in 1953, Kay began her working career as a secretary at various companies and businesses. She was hired at SEPTA in 1973, excelling at her craft and supporting managers or executives until retiring as an Executive Administrative Assistant in 1996. Her 23-year SEPTA career was a testament to her determination, grace and resolve, especially considering a social time unfriendly to women, and even more so a single, divorced woman with children.

After retiring from SEPTA, she devoted her time to family, caring for her parents and volunteering at David Wolf’s National Greyhound Adoption Program in Northeast Philadelphia. Her volunteer time with the dogs gave her purpose and intrinsic reward through nurturing and caring for the docile and graceful animals. She even went as far as adopting/fostering “Farrah” for a time.

Kay’s love of people and service led to her second career when, in 1998, she began working as a part-time secretary and donations coordinator for Medical Mission Sisters. Her love for the Sisters and their calling enriched her life until retiring in 2014 at the age of 80. Kay’s undeniable drive, passion, and purpose was her love and devotion to family and friends, and it’s evident in the form of pictures, artwork and mementos that filled her home. As a daughter, Kay devoted herself to the care of her parents. She drove them everywhere and fully involved them in every part of our family, lovingly caring for both until their deaths.

As a sister, Kay loved spending time with Jan and Shirl. Also known as “Spazzy”, she cherished their sister time spent at outings, traveling or chatting about family, figure skating, movies and all things Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli or Three Tenors.

As a mother, Kay could not have been prouder of her sons. She worked extremely hard and endured challenging and difficult times to provide for her family, during a time when the world was unfriendly to single mothers. Her tough-love and high standards were essential to raising four productive and respectful men. She also became the mother, friend and mentor to Sandra “Sandi”, her daughter, advocate, and champion to the end.

As a grandmother, or MeeMaw, Kay was at her happiest, most attentive, fun, loving, and mischievous self. She truly loved spending time with her “Grands”, constantly showering them with love, encouragement, praise and goodies. She was always up for anything in the name of fun. Although Kay has ascended to Heaven, her legacy of grace, affection and wisdom will continue eternally through the love, lessons and laughter shared in her relationships with family, friends, relatives and loved ones.

Kay’s wishes were there to be no funeral or viewing. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Redeemer Health Hospice program.