Hilda M. Bailey

Hilda M. (Shireman) Bailey, age 103, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Villages of Silvercrest where she resided for 5 years. Hilda was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, Thomas A. Bailey Jr.; brothers, Donald Shireman and Harold Shireman; and sister Irma Brown.

Hilda was born on April 22, 1922, in Corydon, to the late Odus Shireman and Alma Miller Shireman. She was one of five children and was raise in New Albany by her father and Aunt Lani, after the death of her mother when Hilda was three. Hilda was a graduate of New Albany High School and worked at Mutual Trust Bank after graduation. She often talked about the 1937 flood, the Great Depression, and the opening of the Clark Memorial Bridge. She recalled many joyful gatherings with friends listening to the scary adventures of "Lights Out," a popular radio broadcast, and running home in the dark to safety. Hilda met Tom Bailey after high school, and they enjoyed trips on the ferry to Rose Island, dancing at the Jennie Linn, and swaying to big band music with Tom as the vocalist.

World War II interrupted their lives together when Tom joined the Navy. He was stationed in the South Pacific, and their relationship, like so many, was reduced to letters, listening to broadcasts of war activity on the radio, and constant prayer. Tom returned to the San Diego at the end of the war, and Hilda traveled alone by train to meet him there and marry. In 1949 they built the first house on Slate Run Road where they raised two children, Tom and Kevin. The Bailey family helped build Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, where Hilda was proud to be the parish's oldest Charter member this 75th Anniversary year. In their lives together, they opened Thomas A. Bailey Plumbing and Heating Company. Hilda was the secretary, booking all appointments, receiving daily deliveries, and making frequent trips to take supplies to the job site. In addition, Hilda was the backbone of the homefront, cooking, cleaning, and transporting kids to and from school.

Hilda had a servant's heart. She often drove friends to appointments, stayed at her mother-in-law’s side when she was failing, and extended that loving care to her own sister and three sisters-in-law. She was a tireless worker and loved babysitting nieces and nephews. She created a home where her children loved to bring their friends, and she fed everyone who showed up. She was famous for her fried chicken and her pies. Hilda led by example, showing love and compassion to everyone around her.

Hilda's last years were spent at Silvercrest, where she received loving care under the supervision of Betty Galligan and daily hugs from staff: dining room, housekeeping, and maintenance. Her years there were made richer by the Life Enrichment Department led by Cornita and Maria, and her hair was styled weekly by Valerie. She often entertained other residents with spontaneous singing and a sense of humor that only got sharper as the she aged. Her favorite songs were "Let Me Call you Sweetheart," "The Old Gray Mare," and "You Are My Sunshine." She was the sunshine for her family and her friends.

Hilda’s family would also like to express their appreciation to Hosparus of Southern Indiana and the wonderful care they provided, as well as to the private caregivers who provided companionship and personal care for Hilda, so that she could live as independently as possible as she aged.

Hilda is survived by her loving children, Dr. Kevin Sue Bailey of Floyds Knobs and Thomas A. Bailey III (Molly) of Raleigh, North Carolina. Hilda had 6 grandchildren: Thomas Bailey IV (Shannon), Dr. Robert Bailey, Joseph Bailey (Shannon), Patrick Taylor (Jessica), Alison Kirby, and Alyssa Cochran (Cory). She was blessed with six great grandchildren who brought forth her biggest smiles. Hilda also leaves behind her beloved sister-in-law, Joy Bailey (Louie) and 18 nieces and nephews, whom she cared for as her own.

A Visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana, on May 30, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1752 Scheller Lane, New Albany, on May 31, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with a burial to follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. https://olphna.org/ (or) Hosparus of Southern Indiana https://hosparushealth.org/donate/