Elizabeth "Betty" Baran

Elizabeth “Betty” (Laida) Baran

Elizabeth “Betty” Baran, 95, of Auburn, passed away peacefully January 9, 2026, with family by her side at Auburn Community Hospital.

Betty was born in Skaneateles, NY, as a twin daughter of Paul and Elizabeth Laida. She attended and was a graduate of Skaneateles High School. After her marriage to John James “Hank” Baran, she moved to Auburn to raise her family. Betty held many jobs in her lifetime including Auburn Phone Company, Van’s Bakery, and Natualloy Boat Products. Most notably, she worked at General Electric Company (Power-Ex) and Welch-Allyn. After her retirement, she worked as a cleaning lady at McDonald’s, where she was affectionately known as “Grandma McBunn.”

In her younger years, Betty was an avid bowler. She enjoyed making specialty cakes and baking a large variety of Christmas cookies that were shared with family and friends. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, painting ceramics, sewing, reading, and traveling. Betty was a communicant of Sts. Peter and John’s Episcopal Church.

Betty is survived by her sons Floyd “Jimmy” Baran, Robert “Bobby” Baran (Patricia Gilmore), all of Throop, and Stephen “Skipper” Baran (Mary) of Missouri; her daughters Marlene Baran Exner (Tom Goodall) of Penn Yan, NY, and Marcia (Bob) Kaiser of Auburn. She is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her first husband, former Auburn Firefighter John James “Hank” Baran; her second husband, Robert Pinkney; her brothers Paul, Martin, and Steve; her sisters Alice (her twin) and Anne; and a granddaughter, Alicia Baran.

Per Betty’s request, there are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, April 23, in St. Peter and St. John's Episcopal Church, 169 Genesee St., Auburn. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles, NY, at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions are graciously recommended to the Auburn Fire Department, 31 Seminary St., Auburn, NY 13021.