Barbara Jean (née Gillespie) Bailey
August 17, 2020
April 18, 1949 – August 17, 2020
After a courageous battle with cancer, Barbara passed peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2020, surrounded by her loving family, at Victoria Hospital, London, in her 72nd year. Beloved wife for 50 years of Dr. David Bailey, of London. Cherished mother of Karen Clooney (Matthew), Brian Bailey (Anita), all of London, and Scott Bailey (Christina), of Angus. Nana shared a unique and special bond with each of her adoring grandchildren: Lavinnia, Maia, Isaak, Rhiannon, Seren, Dane, and Aracelis. Also, survived by her father, Walter Gillespie, of Beaverton; her sister Jane Palmer (Mike), of Honolulu, Hawaii; her brother Chuck (Ainsley), of Beaverton; and her sister-in-law, Joan Stalker (John), of Cobourg. Predeceased by her mother, Jean Gillespie (née Topping). Barb cherished the years she worked as the head administrative secretary at Oakridge Secondary School; her new friendships with Victoria Quilting; and her time fostering kittens through the London Animal Care Centre. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where a Celebration of Life will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Registration is required to attend the visitation and visitation/service.
To register for one of the Visitation time slots, please click here: >Westview Funeral Chapel’s registration page for Barbara Bailey’s Visitation
To register for the Celebration of Life at 3:30 p.m., with visitation at 2:30 p.m., please click here: >Westview Funeral Chapel’s registration page for Barbara Bailey’s Celebration of Life with Visitation
Please note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, >https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive-changes-to-funeral-and-visitation-attendance/ attendance numbers will be restricted. Please be aware that COVID-19 protocols are in place which may preclude some from being able to attend and masks are mandatory. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Barb are asked to consider the Humane Society London & Middlesex.
Leave a tribute for Barbara Jean (née Gillespie) Bailey
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(Donated to Humane Society London & Middlesex)
(Donated to Humane Society London & Middlesex)
(Donated to Humane Society London & Middlesex)
(Donated to Humane Society London & Middlesex)
(Donated to Humane Society London & Middlesex)
(Donated to Humane Society London & Middlesex)
I am so sad to hear of Barb's passing. The last time I saw her she was happy to share that she was 18 months in remission. I worked with her at Laurier and Oakridge and we had many chats about children, grandchildren and family. Barb was a genuinely caring and compassionate person, a treasured secretary, professional, always willing to assist. My sincere condolences to all the family.
I am so deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Barb. She was a very beautiful soul who would always be there to lend a helping hand and give advice on getting around school obstacles. She was always very kind with a caring smile. All educators know that the secretaries run the school and Barb Bailey did an outstanding job guiding the Oakridge Oaks - all off us. You will be missed â¤ï¸
From the remarks already posted, it is obvious that Barb was a compassionate, well loved member of staff. That she knew everyone so well is a testimony to her social intelligence (and she hardly ever rolled her eyes long enough for anyone to catch it). She will be missed.
David and family: I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My most heartfelt condolences.
I am so very sorry for your loss - a loss never filled. But her light and her love, I am certain, will carry on in each one of you.
To the Bailey family I am so sorry for your loss of your wife, mother, mother in law and Nana. She was such a bright positive light in your lives and will be greatly missed. I knew her as I am Christina's mom and Scott's mother in law and Mimi to their 3 girls : Maia, Seren and Aracelis Bailey. Rest In Peace Barb. May angels guide you to your heavenly home.
We were deeply saddened to learn of Barb's passing. She was a wonderful person to work with, always pleasant, helpful, and very competent in her work at Oakridge! Our condolences go out to her family!
Barb added a special dimension to the office when she arrived at Oakridge. Her personable approach to students, staff and parents spoke to the same values she must have provided for her own family. She always presented a warm smile and willingness to attend to everyone she encountered. Her welcoming manner put everyone at ease. She was the best!
I was saddened to learn of Barb's passing. She was such a steadfast, compassionate presence at Oakridge that I couldn't help but feel reassured to be working with her. Ever-patient, she was always mindful of others' needs no matter how busy she was. A true professional and wonderful person, she will be missed.
Barb was such a beautiful person! Her warmth, kindness and true caring for others combined with her intelligence and amazing work ethic to be a colleague and friend that I was privileged to know. Barb was so loved by everyone,; she listened to so many who came by to chat with her and ask for advice, and then she stayed late most afternoons to complete the work she couldn't get done. I couldn't get her to go home because she was such a professional. She adored you Dave and bragged about you, your children and grandchildren with such pride. She loved you all so deeply and I know that her quiet example are life lessons that your children, grandchildren and her friends will carry on as a legacy to her. I know I will.Her heart knew no boundaries and I experienced that again when she commissioned a quilt for me to ensure that she understood my journey. I was so moved by that gesture. That's just the person she was and will be sorely missed by so many. Although I am unable to attend Barb's celebration of life, my heart will be there. I will never forget the beauty within her. Please accept my deepest condolences for you and your family.
I meet Barb at the victoria quilt group London,Ontario. Barb will be remembered by her wanting to learn how to quilt and make quilts for others. I personally had many talks and words of encouragment from Barb. My prayers go out to the family at this difficult time of grief.
Barb joined our Victoria' Quilts, London Branch in June 1918. Despite not being a sewer, she learned, did what she was able to and ended up making quilts to be proud of to go to a cancer patient. She never missed any of our monthly sewing, meetings which included lunches around a round table in the church basement. Many comments, techniques and laughs were shared. She enjoyed giving back to the cause and we will miss her smile, and quiet dedication.
I knew Barb only a short time through Victoria Quilts. We often chatted at the meetings and I so enjoyed her company. She will truly be missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
As a member of Victoria Quilts, I had only known Barb a short time. Her enthusiasm and desire to come and be part of a community that cares for those dealing with cancer, was truly an inspiration to me. Her sewing and quilting skills were developing , and we all shared in her love of doing something for others. She will be missed by our group.
I was deeply saddened to read of Barb's passing. We shared lots of stories and laughs together at Dr. Steve's. Fondly remembered...... My sincerest sympathies to you and your family.
I was saddened to learn of Barb's passing. Amidst the hectic bustle of Oakridge Secondary School, Barb was a centre of calmness and kindness. Such a lovely person! My sincerest condolences.
Barb was one of the most caring and considerate people I have ever met. She was always cheerful and exceptional at her job, a very calming and delightful presence at Oakridge. It was wonderful to be greated by her smile at the start of each day. A beautiful person. Rest in peace.
I am deeply saddened by the news of Barb's passing. It was my great pleasure to work with her at Oakridge Secondary for many years. She was a kind and compassionate woman who was a cherished member of our staff. Barb was a beautiful person - both inside and out. I absolutely adored her. May her memory be eternal, and may she rest peacefully in the arms of the angels. â¤ï¸
You will be greatly missed by your secretaries lunch group. I worked at Oakridge with Barb for awhile. She was friendly, caring and easy to get along with. You are loved by us. To Dave and family My heart goes out to all of you. Another Angel is in heaven looking down on us.
Barb was one of the most genuinely kind and caring people I've ever known. Her sincere empathy was felt whenever you were facing challenges or sadness. She was still able to be the consummate professional at the same time. Barb was also always up for a good laugh as well. I am blessed to have known and worked with Barb. My heartfelt condolences to her entire family and all who loved her.
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Humane Society London & Middlesex
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To the Bailey family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I knew Barb as the grandmother of my nieces, mother-in-law to my sister Christina and mother to Scott. Every visit to her home I saw her as very caring, welcoming and full of love for her family. She will certainly be missed. May the angels welcome her, perpetual light shine upon and may her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
~ Rob Renaud