Bernard “Bernie” Thomas Baden, a lifelong resident of Brandywine, MD, passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on December 20, 1935, to George Ralph Baden Sr. and Margaret Gertrude Baden, Bernie lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and farming.
A proud veteran, Bernie served his country in the United States Army during the 1950s. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Mary Elaine Suit, on April 26, 1958. Together, they built a strong and loving family, raising four children: Joseph Michael Baden Sr. (Brenda Goldsmith) of Brandywine, David Matthew Baden Sr. (Rhonda) of Hughesville, Jennifer Leigh Marziani (Andy) of Waldorf, and Cora Elizabeth Haines (Gary) of Edgewater.
For more than 20 years, Bernie was a Vice President at American Federal Savings & Loan. After retirement, he enjoyed working at R & D Cross (Southern States) for 12 years. Bernie’s greatest joys were found in the soil of Land Stone Farm in Baden, Maryland. A farmer through and through, Bernie took immense pride in his work and was a dedicated member of the Maryland Farm Bureau. His commitment to agriculture and community left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was also immensely proud of his 7 grandchildren, Amanda VanHorn (Matt), Samantha Kirk (Gary), David Baden (Kylie), Meagan Jeffery (Michael), Joseph Baden (Samantha), A.J. Marziani (Cassie), Richard Haines and 12 great-grandchildren, who brought him endless happiness.
Bernie is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Mary Elaine; his four children, and sister Mary Gertrude Dennis. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Cora Kendrick Baden, as well as his siblings, George Ralph Baden Jr., Paul Francis Baden Sr., and Margaret Theresa Baden. Bernie is also survived by many extended family members and friends who will dearly miss his strength, wisdom, and warm-hearted nature.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Brinsfield Funeral Home, located at 30195 Three Notch Road in Charlotte Hall, MD. Prayers led by Father Armstrong will begin at 3:00 pm.
A funeral mass will be celebrated the following day, Monday, June 2, 2025, at 10:00 am, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 17510 Horsehead Road in Brandywine, MD. Bernie will be laid to rest afterward, at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road in Clinton, MD.
The pallbearers are Darrin Palmer, Kevin Putnam, David Baden, Joseph Baden, A.J. Marziani and Richard Haines.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bernie’s name to St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
Bernie Baden’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the land he cultivated, and the love he shared so freely.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD.
A special Thank You to the Prince George’s County Police Department for the escort.