Leona Baran Obituary
Leona "Lena" Baran, a beacon of warmth and generosity, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, in Bay City, Michigan. Born on December 18, 1937, in the quaint town of Wesola, Poland, where Lena's journey of 87 years began, until she moved to the United States in 1985 and become the beloved wife of Peter Baran, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories and an unbreakable bond. Together, they navigated the ebb and flow of life's joys and challenges, with Lena always providing a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen.
Her role as mother was one she cherished deeply, raising her two sons, Artur (married to Ewa) and Wojtek (married to Mariola), with a blend of discipline and tenderness that shaped them into the men they are today.
Lena's legacy continues in her homeland of Poland with her cherished grandchildren, Tomasz, Dr. Pawel, Piotr, and Igor Radzinski, and her great-grandchildren, Maurycy and Tobiasz, seven nieces and eight nephews, in Poland, all of whom she held dear.
Each of them carries a piece of her heart and her teachings into the future.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Jan and Wiktoria (Skiba) Kozub, as well as her siblings, Stefan, Joseph, Bronislawa, and Zofia.
Lena's family continued in Untied States with Peter and include her sister-in-law, Annie Mier, and many nieces and nephews; as well as deceased brothers-in law Aloysius and Chester and sisters-in-law Helen and Julia.
Lena's work ethic was unparalleled, and she poured her soul into supporting her family and relatives, especially during times of struggle and many trips back to Poland.
A woman of diverse interests, Lena found joy in classical, Polish, and waltz music. She loved solving word puzzles, a hobby that kept her mind sharp and provided endless hours of engagement. Lena's love for Polish cuisine was no secret; she was an exceptional cook whose dishes were immensely enjoyed by Peter.
Lena enjoyed episodes of "The Price is Right" and "The Lawrence Welk Show," both of which provided her with entertainment and a touch of glamour. Her adventurous spirit was evident in her love of travel, with frequent trips to Poland and the sunny states of Florida and Arizona.
Lena is described by those who knew her as loving, adventurous, and generous. Her dedication to others, including her beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in Poland was unlimited and inspirational to all.
A Memorial mass will be on Wednesday July 23, 2025 at 11am at Prince of Peace- St. Anne Campus with Rev. Fr. Prentice Tipton presiding with burial at a later date in Gorzon Wielkopolski in Poland. Visitation will be on Wednesday at church from 10am till the time of mass.
