Mary Eugenia Johnson Baird was a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, generous daughter, sister, and friend. She chose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service by faithfully serving in civil service positions, volunteering, in St. Matthew’s Catholic parish, and being a consistent advocate for those in need – especially in areas of mental health, children, and the poor. Mary was very much a follower of St. Therese of Lisieux, in that she aspired to be a missionary evangelizing her five children and ten grandchildren.

Since Mary’s passing in February, Raymond Daniel Baird has continued to devote himself to family and community.

Ray retired from the Army after 24 years in 1991 and began inspecting nursing homes in 1994 for the State of Texas as an RN. He, also, has exercised loyal service in his Catholic parish, in missions to the poor and needy, and to those needing consolation in times of loss and illness. Ray joined Mary in teaching family workshops on mental illness, and since Mary’s demise had stayed busy with activities for St. Matthew Catholic parish.

Mary and Ray joined Pilgrim Center of Hope on their pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2018. They served faithfully as promoters of Pilgrim Center of Hope’s evangelization activities and events, becoming two of the ministry’s most reliable supporters. Such dedication includes their contributions as members of the Stella Maris Campaign Committee, which laid the foundation for efforts to develop the future Stella Maris Center on Pilgrim Center of Hope property.

We ask the community to join Pilgrim Center of Hope in a show of gratitude to Ray Baird, and in memory of Mary Baird, as the 2023 Missionary of Hope Award Winners.