Elizabeth J. (Betty) Bailey

Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Henderson Bailey, 92, of Meadville, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Rolling Fields, Conneautville.

Betty was born May 7, 1921 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Robert A. and Jean Bruce Henderson.  She married John H. Bailey, II May 3, 1944 and he preceded her in death February 22, 2003.

Betty was a 1939 graduate of Meadville High School, a 1943 graduate of Allegheny College with a Bachelor’s degree in English, and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.  She was an elementary teacher at First District School and then became a full-time homemaker after her marriage to John.

An active member of the community, Betty was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church, Meadville Medical Center auxiliary, Meadville Garden Club, Hilltop Garden Club, Woman’s Literary Club, Antique Study Club, Pittsburgh Society of Friends, Meadville Country Club, and the Iroquois Club.  She was a founding member of the French Creek Valley Conservancy and People for Peace, organizing member of the Local Society of Friends, was a peace activist especially during the Vietnam War, and was actively involved with Women’s Services and the establishment of the Greenhouse.  She enjoyed spending summers at Conneaut Lake with many family members and friends as she had done growing up and going to Sleepy Hollow.  She enjoyed traveling, visiting the British Isles, Greece and other European countries, Tahiti, Hawaii, and islands in the Caribbean Sea.  Betty was a prolific reader and had a life-long commitment to helping others.

Most of all, Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took great pride in her family and shared in their daily lives as well as their accomplishments.

Survivors include four children, Jill Jorden and her husband William (Bill) of Conneaut Lake, Sara Babcock and her husband Norm of Meadville, Robin Bailey and her husband Ted Weber of Meadville, and John H. (Jack) Bailey, III and his wife Christine of Meadville; a sister, Dorothy Ralston of Butler; twelve grandchildren, Heather Jorden Bunyard and her husband Britt, W. Stoney Jorden and his wife Kirstin, Melissa Jorden and her husband Pat Recio, Matt Jorden, Lori Babcock, Holly Babcock, Ben Babcock, Sarah Bailey, Leslie Bailey, John Bailey, IV, Tate Weber and Bob Weber; seven great-grandchildren, Rachel, Bailey, and Marty Bunyard, Ashlyn and Kylie Jorden, and Chase and Penn Recio; and her lifetime best friend and Meadville native, Peg Laley Peterson of Allentown.  She also had many nieces and nephews.

Calling hour will be Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 346 Chestnut St., Meadville where the memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Carmen Emerson, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the French Creek Valley Conservancy, 301 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville where memories and condolences may be shared at waidfuneralhome.net.