Obituaries
Deborah Bauer
April 20, 2025
In Loving Memory of Ms Deborah Bauer (1968–2025)
Beloved Elementary School Teacher, Proud Mother, Mentor, Friend to All, and a Guiding Light
It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Deborah Bauer, a dedicated and beloved elementary school teacher, a proud and loving mother, and a cherished friend. Deborah passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and selfless dedication that touched the lives of everyone she encountered.
Born on October 2nd, 1968 in Sandusky, Ohio, Deborah’s passion for teaching and nurturing children began early in her life. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Akron and began her career at Rice Creek Elementary, where she would dedicate 8 years of her life to inspiring and uplifting generations of students. Her classroom was a haven for young minds, where children not only learned but flourished under her guidance. Deborah was known for her ability to make each student feel special, providing a safe and supportive space where they could grow both academically and personally. Her love for education and her genuine care for each child went beyond the classroom, making her a mentor, a confidante, and a friend to all.
Her ability to connect with people extended well beyond her role as an educator. Deborah was a true friend to all who knew her—whether it was colleagues, parents, or the many students who returned to visit her over the years, she welcomed everyone with an open heart and a listening ear. Her warmth and generosity of spirit created lasting friendships that spanned decades. She had a unique gift of making people feel valued, heard, and appreciated, and her door was always open for those who needed support or simply a moment of encouragement.
At home, Deborah was a proud and loving mother to her daughter Sydney. She dedicated herself to raising her with patience, compassion, and wisdom. As a mother, she was a constant source of strength, love, and inspiration, always guiding her child with kindness and offering the foundation to lead a meaningful and purposeful life. Her daughter was the light of her life. She loved to spend every moment she could with her, savoring every precious moment.
Deborah was predeceased by her father, David Bauer Sr.
She is survived by her daughter, Sydney Doretich, her mother, Doris Bauer, sister, Dawn (Lee) Haynes, and brothers Denny (Sara) Bauer and David (Sue) Bauer Jr., who will continue to carry on her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication. She is also survived by a vast circle of friends, nieces and nephews, former students, and colleagues whose lives were immeasurably enriched by her presence.
A celebration of her life will be held at Secrest Arboretum-Miller Pavillion in Wooster, Ohio on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Rice Creek Elementary School, Attn PTO, 4751 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29229. These funds will be used to purchase student books and classroom supplies.
Though Deborah is no longer with us, her light will continue to shine in the hearts of everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, friendship, and dedication will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to be part of her world.
Arrangements entrusted to the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.
Deborah Bauer
April 20, 2025
In Loving Memory of Ms Deborah Bauer (1968–2025)
Beloved Elementary School Teacher, Proud Mother, Mentor, Friend to All, and a Guiding Light
It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Deborah Bauer, a dedicated and beloved elementary school teacher, a proud and loving mother, and a cherished friend. Deborah passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and selfless dedication that touched the lives of everyone she encountered.
Born on October 2nd, 1968 in Sandusky, Ohio, Deborah’s passion for teaching and nurturing children began early in her life. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Akron and began her career at Rice Creek Elementary, where she would dedicate 8 years of her life to inspiring and uplifting generations of students. Her classroom was a haven for young minds, where children not only learned but flourished under her guidance. Deborah was known for her ability to make each student feel special, providing a safe and supportive space where they could grow both academically and personally. Her love for education and her genuine care for each child went beyond the classroom, making her a mentor, a confidante, and a friend to all.
Her ability to connect with people extended well beyond her role as an educator. Deborah was a true friend to all who knew her—whether it was colleagues, parents, or the many students who returned to visit her over the years, she welcomed everyone with an open heart and a listening ear. Her warmth and generosity of spirit created lasting friendships that spanned decades. She had a unique gift of making people feel valued, heard, and appreciated, and her door was always open for those who needed support or simply a moment of encouragement.
At home, Deborah was a proud and loving mother to her daughter Sydney. She dedicated herself to raising her with patience, compassion, and wisdom. As a mother, she was a constant source of strength, love, and inspiration, always guiding her child with kindness and offering the foundation to lead a meaningful and purposeful life. Her daughter was the light of her life. She loved to spend every moment she could with her, savoring every precious moment.
Deborah was predeceased by her father, David Bauer Sr.
She is survived by her daughter, Sydney Doretich, her mother, Doris Bauer, sister, Dawn (Lee) Haynes, and brothers Denny (Sara) Bauer and David (Sue) Bauer Jr., who will continue to carry on her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication. She is also survived by a vast circle of friends, nieces and nephews, former students, and colleagues whose lives were immeasurably enriched by her presence.
A celebration of her life will be held at Secrest Arboretum-Miller Pavillion in Wooster, Ohio on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Rice Creek Elementary School, Attn PTO, 4751 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29229. These funds will be used to purchase student books and classroom supplies.
Though Deborah is no longer with us, her light will continue to shine in the hearts of everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, friendship, and dedication will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to be part of her world.
Arrangements entrusted to the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.