Helen Frances Bailey

Helen, a long time resident of Modesto, passed away on March 11 at the age of 65. She was born on December 12, 1948 to George E. and Frances Virtue, in San Leandro, CA. She moved as a child with her family to Waterford, CA where she grew up working with her parents in the bakery trade.

She married on August 2, 1969 and soon after moved to Modesto, CA where she spent the rest of her many full years. Helen continued to work in the bakery trade for several more years before becoming the school librarian at Big Valley Grace Christian School. Throughout those years she was regularly involved with Vacation Bible School during the summer months. Many a child was treated to a summer of fun on Helen's sturdy picnic quilt. Helen eventually went on to work for American Greetings as a merchandizer for their products in several local stores. She finally retired in 2001 after a stroke prevented her from continuing her duties.

She is survived by her husband, Don Bailey, Sr. of Modesto, CA; sons Don Bailey, Jr. of Citrus Heights, CA, and David Bailey, of Hagerman, NM; brothers George R. Virtue of Sweet Home, OR, and Mark Virtue of Denair, CA; and 3 grandchildren, Katie, Joelle, and Cameron.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2pm on Wednesday March 19 at Lakewood Memorial Park. There will be a viewing from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday March 18. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Big Valley Grace Christian School library fund.