Barbara Ann Ake

Barbara Ann Ake (Maurer), age 82, of Dunkirk, Maryland, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026 in Edgewater, Maryland. Born on August 11, 1943, in Washington, D.C., to Gus Michael and Mildred Frances (Ryan) Maurer, Barbara was raised in Hollywood, Maryland.

She graduated in 1961 from High Point High School in Beltsville, were she met the love of her life, James Rudolph Ake; the two were married on Valentine's Day in 1964 and shared 62 years of marriage.

In 1971, Barbara and Jim moved to Dunkirk, Maryland, where they built a lifetime of memories in the family home.

Barbara was a woman of traditional values and legendary kindness. She was a master in the kitchen, famous for whipping up home-cooked meals that brought the entire family together. She was affectionately blamed for adding a few extra pounds to many family members due to her delicious cooking. She greeted every visitor with a warm welcome and her cherished photo albums, eager to share her memories, stories, and her pride in her family's accomplishments. There was never a holiday that passed without a handwritten card from her. Barbara had a closet full of small gifts, so that no visitor went without something for the holidays.

Known affectionately as "Oma," Barbara's greatest joy was her grandchildren. She was a constant fixture in their lives, from driving them to and from school, volunteering for "Pizza Day" at Cardinal Hickey Academy, attending grandparent's day, field trips and school performances, to cheering from the sidelines of every sporting event. She always made sure the "snack cabinet" was stocked for when they would visit. Her later years were further brightened by the light of her great-granddaughter, Brielle, who filled her days with laughter, immense love and surprises around every corner.

Barbara loved the slot machines and spent many Mothers' Day weekends at Dover Downs with her daughter, Kathy and granddaughter, Katie. She also enjoyed Disney World adventures, Caribbean cruises, taking the auto train to Hollywood, Florida to visit with family and sitting on her deck in Kent Island enjoying steamed crabs and beautiful sunsets with her very special friends and family.

She is survived by her loving husband, James Rudolph Ake, who sadly passed away mere hours after Barbara, her daughters, Jennifer (Stan) Nisson and Katherine (Patrick) Stepp; five grandchildren, Robert, Lauren, Thomas, Katelyn, and Joseph; her great-granddaughter, Brielle; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Michael Maurer; and her grandson, Mathew.

The family will receive friends at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 1601 West Mount Harmony Road, Owings, MD 20736 on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12:30 PM. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 10155 Ward Road, Dunkirk, MD 20754.