Carol Bailey Mazur

Carol Bailey Mazur, of Bon Air and Clarksville, Virginia, died June 15, 2015, from the ill effects of pancreatic cancer. She was a sixteen year survivor of breast cancer. Carol was a vivacious, positive person with a thousand watt smile. She was the engine of her family and was widely known for her abilities to organize events and activities to the point that many thought she could effectively “herd cats.”

Carol was born on April 25, 1950, in Greeley, Colorado, thought to be the town on which Michener’s book, “Centennial,” was based. As part of a tour of duty, her parents, the late Lt. Col.(ret.) Wilson L. Bailey and Alvena Lehr Bailey, brought Carol and her brother Mark to Bangkok, Thailand in 1958 for a two year stay. Carol had clear and enjoyable memories of viewing the King’s Flotilla on the canals and of visiting the Taj Mahal in India. Carol purposely sought to live a life in which family, work, community and faith were all in thoughtful balance, and she succeeded. Christmas was the high season in Carol’s year, with a specially decorated tree in each room, mounds of cookies at the ready, and presents spread under and around the living room tree. Some of Carol’s happiest times were spent with her family and friends at their “cabin” on Buggs Island Lake where swimming, water skiing and relaxing on the pontoon boat late each afternoon brought her great joy.

Carol had a great love of reading which helped explain her undergraduate degree in English from George Washington University. Earning an MBA from VCU led to a seventeen year career with Phillip Morris, USA, in operations analysis, finance, and, later, in organizational development, in which she employed her third degree, a Masters in Education and Human Development from George Washington University. Carol was a member of St. Matthias Episcopal Church since 1977, having served on its Vestry and as Senior Warden. Carol was an active member of the American Association of University Women for over 35 years, serving as president of the Bon Air Branch, and later, as the program chair for the Greater Richmond Branch. Through AAUW, she and her husband participated in the branch’s Gourmet Group for over 30 years, enjoying many wonderful friendships. Carol joined the Salisbury Garden Club several years ago, where she found great fellowship and delighted in creating beautiful, award-winning floral arrangements. Carol loved the many cats and dogs that had provided her with unconditional love throughout her life; most especially those furry family members who provided constant comfort and companionship during her illness, Siamese kitties Thai and Mia, and faithful pooch, Lily Faith Ann.

Carol leaves behind a greatly saddened, but grateful family, whose life was and will continue to be enriched by her love, example and high standards. Her family includes her husband, Edward J. Mazur, daughter and son-in-law Katherine M. Gallagher (Garry), her sons and daughters-in-law David C. Mazur (Christine) and Jonathan E. Mazur (Jessica) and six wonderful grandchildren, Joseph Edward Gallagher, John Campbell Mazur, Lillian Grace Mazur, Christopher Bockhold Mazur, Joshua Paul Mazur and Julia Ann Mazur. Carol also leaves behind her beloved brother Mark Bailey, sister-in-law Lori, and her nieces, Allison and Sarah; as well as other wonderful family members, friends, and neighbors, all of whom provided remarkable love and support during Carol’s illness. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the VCU Massey Cancer Center, the Thomas Palliative Care Unit, and the Acute Care Surgical Unit of the VCU Medical Center for their compassionate care of Carol over the past 16 months.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthias’ Episcopal Church, 11300 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, Va. at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2015, preceded by a violin and cello prelude beginning at 3:30 p.m. A reception at the Church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the VCU Massey Cancer Center Thomas Palliative Care Current Fund and to the Lake Country SPCA in Clarksville, Va.