Elaine Marie Bailey

With deep sorrow, we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Elaine Marie Bailey on February 24th, 2025. Elaine will forever remain in our hearts as a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother and friend.

Elaine was born on June 12th, 1942 at Wycoff Heights Hospital in Queens, NY. She was the only daughter of Larry and Antoinette (Sitch) Kramer, and the cherished sister to her two brothers, Larry and George Kramer.

Elaine attended Grover Cleveland High School and after graduation, began taking classes at Queens College. While attending, she worked on Wall Street and loved every minute of it. During this time, she met the love of her life, Edward Bailey, at the Cresthaven Country Club in New York where they danced the night away. A deep connection was formed through their shared love of dance, and in May of 1966, they made it official, beginning their next chapter together as husband and wife.

Elaine’s greatest joy was raising her four children — 3 sons and a daughter. Having her daughter later in life was a blessing that brought even more love and happiness into her home, and she often said it kept her young. Elaine’s love and devotion to her family knew no bounds—nothing was more important to her. She stayed home to care for her children, dedicating herself fully to their well-being and happiness. Elaine would do anything for any of her kids, always putting her loved ones first.

In her late 40s, Elaine decided to return to college and earned her bachelor's degree in education. She used the skills she had honed as a mother to secure a position at Crystal River Middle School, where she taught Exceptional Student Education (ESE) for years. Elaine found great fulfillment in this role, where she had a profound impact on her students, helping many turn their lives around academically and preparing them for life after graduation.

After retiring, Elaine’s love for dance remained a central part of her life. She and her husband enjoyed attending dances at the Citrus Hills Country Club with friends, sharing countless joyful moments on the dance floor. Elaine stayed active by working out and practicing yoga at their gym. She also shared a special bond with their dog, Brady, walking miles together and enjoying each other’s company.

Elaine had always been interested in health and nutrition, but it was after her retirement that she truly immersed herself in researching alternative ways to support the health and well-being of her family and friends. Her husband often joked that he felt like he had married a doctor, as Elaine became the go-to source for health advice. Her passion for helping others live healthier lives was a testament to her caring and generous nature.

As with many things in her life, Elaine became a grandmother later than most of her friends, but she made the most of every moment, creating countless cherished memories with her grandchildren. She loved sitting on the porch coloring with them, surprising them with gifts and treats, watching their favorite movies together, and reading aloud—just a few of the many ways she made memories with her grandchildren. Elaine also spent years babysitting, sharing fun stories of her life experiences, and always finding ways to make each grandchild feel loved and special.

In addition to her devotion to family, Elaine had a deep love for art and creativity, often expressing herself through her beautiful creations. She had a special fondness for the color blue, a hue that brought her joy and was often reflected in her artwork, clothing, and surroundings. Elaine was also gifted with a remarkable talent for writing, with a special ability to use words to bring comfort, joy, and inspiration to those fortunate enough to read them. She wrote poems, including The Allstar, which captured a significant moment in her life, and was especially meaningful to her. The Allstar encapsulated the spirit of someone who was truly a star in her eyes. Elaine also wrote a children's book titled Penelope and the Chocolate Bar, which brought her joy and showcased her creativity. Beyond her poetry and writing, Elaine had a unique talent for crafting heartfelt cards and notes, always finding the perfect words to express her love and care for friends and family.

She will truly be missed.

Elaine is survived by her beloved husband, Edward Bailey; her children, Keith Bailey (and his wife, Angela), David Bailey, Bryan Bailey (and his wife, Pam), and Erin Pebler (and her husband, Dano). She also leaves behind a cherished legacy through her six beloved grandchildren: Kyle, Connor, Max, Lillian, Peyton, and Colin. Elaine is further survived by her brothers, Larry Kramer and George Kramer (and his wife, Jean); her brother-in-law, Robert Bailey; her sister-in-law, Kathy Scaturro; along with a niece and several nephews.

A private celebration of life will be held in Elaine's honor on Saturday, June 7th at their home. The family warmly invites those who wish to attend or share their memories to reach out for further details.