Muriel Amelia Baum, age 95, of East Patchogue, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children on May 25, 2020 after suffering a stroke and COVID-19.  She was born on March 1, 1925 in Queens, NY to Hugo and Henrietta (Seelig) Schaaf.  Muriel graduated from Queens College with a bachelor's degree and became an elementary school teacher.  On July 9, 1955, Muriel married Harry Baum, who preceded her in death in May 2002.

Having lived through the depression and World War II, Muriel was never one to spend on herself, but gave generously to anyone in need.  She was most passionate about the American Red Cross, The Humane Society, Toys for Tots and anything related to veterans.  She also volunteered her time as an Eastern Star, Women's VFW Auxiliary officer and as Cookie Chairman for the Girl Scouts.

Muriel enjoyed swimming and spent her children's summer breaks taking them to the town pool.  She was an avid reader and a life-long enthusiast of Broadway musicals and classic movies, a passion she passed on to her children.

As a mother of four and grandmother of nine, Muriel's focus was always on her family. She loved being surrounded by family and cherished any occasion to get together. An abundance of unconditional love came naturally to Muriel; she firmly believed in "forgiving and forgetting."  Her strong faith and Christian values were the core of her existence. Muriel was kind, fair, believed in destiny and always had an optimistic outlook, seeing the bright side of everything. There was no such thing as a stranger to Muriel; everyone was met with a warm smile and friendly greeting.

Muriel is survived by her four children, their spouses and nine grandchildren, Thomas Baum, Robert and Kimberly Baum and their four children, Sarah (Baum) Miller and her husband Kevin Miller, Aron Baum, Emma Baum and Hannah Baum, Carol (Baum) and Kenneth Wickline and their two children, Courtney Wickline and Kenneth Wickline and Jeanne (Baum) and Shaun Steward and their three children Ryan Steward, Matthew Steward and Jacob Steward.

Our mother's/grandmother's love can never be replaced … the world is a lesser place without her.  The family is grateful to everyone for their expressions of sympathy and love.

Private Cremation.

Final resting place at Calverton National Cemetery.