Sally Ann Wendler Bauer

August 8, 1955 - April 7, 2026

Sally Ann Wendler Bauer, 70, passed away due to complications from a brain aneurysm on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. A beloved daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt, Godmother and friend, Sally will be remembered by her warm loving spirit, sense of humor, joix de vivre, generosity, and kindness.

Born on August 8, 1955 in Staunton, Virginia, Sally spent her early years in Sharon, Pennsylvania before moving with her family to Phoenix, Maryland. Sally graduated from Dulaney High School and continued her education at Roanoke College, graduating in 1977.

After graduation, Sally worked for several high technology companies in sales for software applications. She worked for Sun Microsystems for many years before signing on with several start-up companies including Action Corporation and Critical Path.

After her career, Sally poured her heart and soul into philanthropic endeavors by helping others in the greater Baltimore community and beyond. In 2004, she joined the board of directors at The Family Tree, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. She held various leadership positions including development chair, vice president and president. She was involved in strategic planning, The Family Tree's Great Chefs' Dinner, and the Brent A. Rosenberg Walk committee for several years.

Since 2023, Sally served on the board of Rise Alliance for Children, an international organization committed to ensuring that every child has the academic and social-emotional support they need to thrive. Sally was instrumental in bringing Rise's proven programs to her beloved Baltimore, where it now helps almost one thousand children each year to be school ready.

An active member of St. John's Church Western Run Parish, Sally volunteered on the Altar Guild and was a member of their Mission Commission which supports a whole range of local charities. Sally also served on Roanoke's President's Advisory Board and the college's strategic steering committee, as well as the advisory board of John's Hopkins Hospitals' Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Spending summers on Moose Pond in Bridgton, Maine, Rehobeth Beach and Cape May with family, friends and her beloved dogs gave her great joy. She loved to travel, and among her most treasured memories were her trips to Anguilla and Roatan. Sally had a gift for entertaining and whole-heartedly embraced new friendships and relished bringing happiness and laughter to others.

She is survived by her sister Jane McIlvaine (Ken) and brother Chip Wendler (Rhona); nieces and nephews Lindsay (Vin) Stazzone, Jennifer (Rick) Corbett, Andrew (Kelley) McIlvaine, Katie Wendler, Chloe Wendler, Meredith (Kevin) Shanley, Matt Hartman; great nieces and nephews Anna Stazzone, Will Corbett, Ben Corbett, Emily Corbett, Lucy McIlvaine, Luke McIlvaine; Godchildren Harrison Brent, Emily Bohannan, Caitlin Schmeltz, and Chloe Wendler; and special friends Campbell Brent, Jenn Bohannan, Sarah Bohannan, Scott Schmeltz and Jose Noval. A very special thanks to Debi and Geoff Brent, her dear friends and neighbors, and to the multitude of friends whom she called family and cared so deeply about.

Sally loved deeply, gave of herself freely, and wanted to make a difference in this world. Sally, thank you for including us in your life.

A memorial service and celebration of life is being planned for late June. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Family Tree familytreemd.org/ways-to-give/ , Rise Alliance for Children rise-children.org/donate , Johns Hopkins Hospitals' Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Johns Hopkins Medicine Giving Form , Roanoke College roanoke.edu/give and St. John's Church Western Run Parish Realm. St. John's Church Western Run Parish Donation