Kelly M. Baran Obituary

Kelly Maureen Baran, who truly understood the glory of love, died November 12, 2023 at age 40. Her dedication to family and friends is a shining example of living life to the fullest with a beaming smile and infectious laughter. Kelly grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the youngest daughter of Jerry and Bonnie Drew. Older sisters, Erin and Colleen, welcomed their new sister with open arms, on February 19, 1983. Three Drew sisters plus one devoted wife meant Jerry Drew completed his 4-leaf clover. He always commented that he was the stem. Every summer, the Drew Family of five would pile into a station wagon and drive "Up North" to enjoy family vacations in Rhinelander. Favorite memories include swimming in Lake George, fishing for bluegills from the dock, roasting marshmallows at the campfire and shopping for souvenirs. The Drew Family of five would tragically become a family of four. Jerry Drew passed away after a six-month battle with cancer on March 7, 1998. Kelly was just 14 years old when she lost the number one man in her life. Jerry was gone, but not forgotten. Kelly's heart would see the glory of love again in her husband Peter Baran. Their love story started in the hallways of Pius XI High School. They were true high school sweethearts, attending formal dances and prom. As teenagers, they could be seen kissing at Cranky Al's Donuts and Mayfair Mall. As adults, Kelly's love for Peter grew stronger. They got engaged on Valentine's Day 2009, got married on August 14, 2010 and welcomed their daughter Penelope on January 26, 2016. Kelly affectionately called Penelope her shiny Penny or Pen for short. Kelly was meant to be a mother. Nothing made her happier than a day with Penny, whether it was spent on vacation at the Jersey Shore or at home in Wauwatosa watching Frozen for the 300th time and cuddling on the couch. Kelly lived for her family. She spoke with her mother, Bonnie, nearly every night to talk about her daily adventures. She constantly called family members for a quick check in, making sure to methodically ask how each member of the family was doing. Kelly's smartphone helped her connect to friends and family in countless ways on social media. You could always count on Kelly to hit like, comment and wish you a happy birthday. Kelly adored her career as a nanny and daycare teacher. She patiently and lovingly cared for many children, including most recently at Grandma's House Child Care Center in Wauwatosa. She could be seen most weekends cheering on the Milwaukee Admirals — "My Ads," as she called them — as a season ticket holder. Kelly's sudden passing is a reminder to all of us to live the way she did - to find joy every day, to hug your family hard, and never miss a chance to spend time with the people you love. Kelly is reunited with her late father, Jerry Drew, her cousin Hugh Crotty, and her grandparents Gordon and Elizabeth Hagen. The following family members will keep her memory alive along with many friends.

Husband Peter Baran and Daughter Penelope Elizabeth Mother Bonnie Drew Sister Erin Kent and Brother-in-law Ryan Kent Sister Colleen Drew, Brother-in-law Bryan Cyra, nephews Brayden Drew and Lane Patrick Mother-in-law Elizabeth Bruderle-Baran Sister-in-law Emily Baran and Brother-in-law Michael Paulauskas, nieces Hannah and Eleanor Sister-in-law Madeleine Baran and niece Zoe Godparents Pat and Glenda Crotty and Cousin Eric Crotty Aunt Bev Engstrom Uncle Jim Hagen and Aunt Kottie Hagen Uncle Pat Hagen A visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18th at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home located at 10121 W. North Ave Wauwatosa, WI 53226.

The visitation starts at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Penelope's education fund would be most appreciated. (https://gofund.me) Kelly's favorite film was Beaches (1988).

Here are the lyrics from the song, "Glory of Love.". You've got to give a little, take a little, and let your poor heart break a little.

That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

You've got to laugh a little, cry a little, until the clouds roll by a little.

That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

As long as there's the two of us, we've got the world and all its charms.

And when the world is through with us, we've got each other's arms.

You've got to win a little, lose a little, yes, and always have the blues a little.

That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

That's the story of, that's the glory of love.