Jacqueline Bailey

Estero, Florida

Jacqueline Ellen Bailey, 88, of Estero, FL, passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Formerly of Carmel, IN, she had been an Estero resident since 2017. She was born June 26, 1930 in Kentland, IN, the daughter of Lawrence Jack and Gertrude Mae (née Graeber) Ford.

In her husband Bob’s words: “Jackie’s life was one well lived.” Family was her number one priority, and she loved adding members to the Bailey family, whether you were an in-law or simply an unexpected dinner guest. She persevered through hardships with determination, including teaching high school biology lab with a deathly fear of snakes. Jackie achieved her PhD in educational design from her beloved Purdue University.

She loved casino slots, betting on long shot horses, bridge and games of all kinds; and some of her most fun recent moments were betting on NFL games with Bob. She was a rabid Colts fan, and particularly loved Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Andrew Luck. Her passion was reading, especially true crime thrillers. Her favorite activity with her daughters was “Shopping and Eating.” The first activity never happened without also going out to lunch. She loved traveling with family, including many trips to French Lick resort, and an epic vacation to California when her daughters were small. Jackie and Bob traveled extensively in retirement; cruises were her favorite venue. Their 50th anniversary cruise, where they hosted all of their family, was one of her favorites. She enjoyed her last cruise with Bob and two of their daughters in August 2017.

Children captivated her, and it was not surprising that she was a fierce advocate of life from conception. She cherished her college friendships made as a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Jackie and Bob enjoyed many years of Purdue tailgates with college friends. She was active in Tri Kappa.

She was the entertaining aunt and grandma to many, and she loved repeating her favorite stories about each of them. Her faith was unwavering throughout her life, but it was particularly enhanced by her CHRP (Christ Renews His Parish) group at St. Elizabeth Seton. Their friends from St. Christopher parish in Speedway became an unofficial social group calling themselves the “Woodshires,” which brought decades of joy to her life.

She was happiest when she was entertaining. Planning the menu and ensuring everyone felt especially welcomed was one of her strong traits. She hosted an Indy 500 Qualification breakfast for 35-40 men and children each year that included a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and juice. Thanksgiving was her meal to host for her extended family, until the joyful chore fell to her eldest daughter. Gala Christmas celebrations gathered her family as did the Indy 500 weekend every spring.

Mrs. Bailey is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Robert Sterling Bailey; her beloved daughters, Kimberle (Ralph) Badinelli of Blacksburg, VA, Barbara (Tom) Martino of Estero, FL and Jennifer (Lou) Miller of Winfield, WV; her brother and sister, Tom (Barbara) Ford of Las Vegas, NV and Carol (Larry) Oaks of Rossville, IN; five cherished grandchildren Carmen, Nick and Jake (Kristin) Badinelli, Patrick (Lauren Stewart) Miller, Maddie (Hunter) Cannon, and her beloved nieces and nephews.

On Monday, January 14, 2019 at 10:30 a.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Road, Carmel, IN 46033. The service will be managed by Leppert Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Guests are invited to a luncheon hosted at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Parish Center immediately after the funeral service. Donations may be made to The Gabriel Project, c/o St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Online condolences available at: www.leppertmortuary.com