Patricia Guidera Maas

Rose Patricia Guidera Maas, 97, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on January 1, 2026. Born December 1, 1928 to Thomas and Mary Hild Guidera, Sr. in Baltimore, Maryland where she formed roots for a life firmly grounded in family, faith, and service. A graduate of the Institute of Notre Dame (1946), Patsy earned a B.S. Biology degree from the College of Notre Dame, Class of 1950. She married William L. Maas, Sr. later that year and began working at the Embryologic Lab at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. After starting her family, Patsy dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children. When they were older, she returned to work in a new role she greatly enjoyed - as a dental assistant for her brother-in-law, Dr. Rudy DeSantis. She spent 20 years in that position before retiring to focus on what brought her the greatest joy: her grand and great-grandchildren. Patsy will be fondly remembered for her warmth, generosity, optimism, and unmistakable kindness. She had a remarkable way of making everyone she met feel truly seen and loved. She had a quick wit and a constant twinkle in her eye. An avid baker, Patsy delighted in delivering her famous cheesecakes to family and friends. She regularly worked happily on games, brain teasers, and puzzles; followed local sports with enthusiasm; and loved travel. Patsy’s life, above all, was defined by devotion to family, faith, and to the many people whose lives she touched with kindness, humor, and unwavering love. She adored her 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, treasured her sister Joan and brother-in-law Rudy DeSantis, and held close the large circle of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband William L. Maas, Sr. (2000), she was a devoted mother to William (Jackie) of Burnsville, NC; John (Jayne) of Indian Land, SC; Mary Stemler (Neil) of Towson; Michael (Diana Weitzman) of Lutherville; Patty Strott (Tony) of Salisbury; Tony (Debi) of Timonium; Margi Lauffer (Gene) of Columbia, SC; and cherished daughter-in-law, Rosemary of Phoenix, MD. The proud and loving grandmother of Caren Thompson (Jonathan), Nicholas Strott (Katelyn), Laura Zimmerman (Mick), Kate Maas, David Strott, Cristina Leibner (Will), Michele Little (Connor), Amanda Hickey (Dan), Jeffrey Lauffer, Juliette Maas, Caroline Lauffer (Ryan), Mackenzie Maas, and Megan Maas. Also the loving great-grandmother to Natalie, Emily, Rhett, Maeve, Claire, James, Cameron, Ellie, Ben, Henry, Olivia, and a twelfth due in February. She was the devoted sister of Joan DeSantis, and was preceded in death by her siblings Thomas Guidera, Jr., Mary Cummons, Rev. John Guidera, S.J., Rita Zungailia, Anne Mace, Betty Jean Bollinger, and James Guidera. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Stella Maris Rehab and Hospice for their kindness and loving care. We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful residents and staff at St. Elizabeth Hall, who became dear friends to Patsy. A Memorial Mass celebrating the life and faith of Patsy will be offered on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., at The Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier, 13717 Cuba Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030. Livestream is available: https://youtube.com/@catholiccommunityofst.fran1834?si=zOvK0JiS2rc2tk91 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patsy’s memory to The Mr. And Mrs. William L. Maas, Sr. Endowment Fund and sent to St. Ignatius Loyola Academy, Attn: Jennifer Summers, 300 E. Gittings St., Baltimore, MD 21230.

Patricia Guidera Maas

December 1, 1928 - January 1, 2026