Jean M. Bailey, 89, of Lansdale, Penn., formerly of Sellersville, Penn. and Bristol, entered into eternal life May 18 in St. Mary Manor, Lansdale. She was the beloved wife of the late Russell G. Bailey for 64 years until his death in January 2013.
Born in Hilltown, Penn., she was the daughter of the late Karol and Maryanna (Fleijszer) Bednarzewski. She was a 1942 graduate of Lansdale High School.
Jean and Russ met at the Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach, Fla. They married in 1948.
Mrs. Bailey had been employed for many years in the quality control department at the former Leeds and Northrup, North Wales, Penn. Ahead of her time and always an advocate for women, Jean was affectionately known as a “Feminist Extraordinaire.”
In the 1970s, Jean and Russ had briefly relocated to Bristol where they owned and operated the Bristol Diner for several years, with Jean serving as chief cook and pie maker.
Jean was a member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hilltown, Penn., where she was active with the Seniors Club. She and her husband developed new fundraisers and activities for the club, including “Boxes for Baghdad.”
She had been involved with St. Agnes Catholic Church, Sellersville, Penn., where she and Russ were instrumental in establishing the Silver and Gold Club.
Mrs. Bailey was also actively involved as a long-time member of the Sellersville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
Jean had previously been an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society of St. Stanislaus Church, Lansdale, where she also sang in the choir and had served as a Girl Scout leader for Troop 737.
Mrs. Bailey had also served as a 4-H Club leader for the Lansdale Lassies. With her husband, she volunteered with Foster Grandparents and also hosted children from the Fresh Air Fund.
Jean enjoyed gardening, needlecrafts, cooking, cake decorating, reading, and craft projects.
Mrs. Bailey is survived by daughters, Carol Bailey Zellers of Lansdale, Penn., and Margaret L. Bailey and husband Gary J. Leuschen of Washington, D.C.; granddaughter, Bailey J. Leuschen of Washington, D.C.; brothers-in-law, John Bailey and wife Arlene of Nobleboro, and Lynn Bailey and wife Michelle of Rockland; special niece, Cathy Smoyer of Trevose, Penn.; son-in-law, Marlin L. Zellers, of Colmar, Penn.; and many nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Fri., May 31 in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rt. 152 and Broad St., Hilltown, Penn. Family and friends are invited to call at the church from 9 a.m. until time of service on Friday.
Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jean’s memory to St. Agnes-Sacred Heart School and mailed to St. Agnes-Sacred Heart School, Attn: Miss Graham, P.O. Box 31, Hilltown, PA 18927.
Arrangements are entrusted to Betty Meier Steeley Funeral Home, Sellersville, Penn., www.steeleyfuneralhome.com.
