Shannon Maria Baumgardner

Shannon Maria Auer Baumgardner, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, age 54, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023, in Thurmont, after a hard-fought battle with ALS. 

Born on March 4, 1969, in Fairfax County, VA, she was the daughter to John Laurence and Mildred Louise (Welch) Auer. 

She is survived by her husband, Keith Baumgardner; her children, Ashley Eckenrode and spouse, Scott, Jacob Teegarden and spouse, Shelby, Amber Sweeney and spouse, Kristina, and Kierstin Baumgardner and spouse, Joseph; her grandchildren, Dixie Eckenrode and Lane Sweeney; and her brother, Terry Bennett and spouse, Missy. 

Before her ALS diagnosis, Shannon worked at Fort Detrick for Battelle National Biodefense Institute and Indus. She loved spending time with family, taking her Chevelle out to car shows, and spending long weekends at the cabin around the campfire. She was an avid titanic enthusiast, clock collector, and Christmas lover. She was a kind, welcoming person who never passed judgement and was quick to lend a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. The only friend she didn’t have was one she hadn’t met yet. She will never be forgotten; however, she will live on through her family and their continued efforts to raise awareness about this terrible disease. 

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 East Main Street in Thurmont. There will be a time of sharing beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Shannon's memory, to the ALS Association.