Mary Bailey-Haywood, of Galesburg, passed away at home on Friday, July 7, 2023.
She was born in Willow Hill, Illinois, the daughter of Russell Ames and Sara Opal (Bain) Sullens. She married Francis Edward “Buck” Bailey in December of 1951 in Oblong, Illinois. He preceded her in death on September 17, 2001, after nearly 50 years of marriage. Mary later married Dr. Bruce Haywood in August 2008 in Galesburg. They enjoyed 12 years together before Bruce passed on January 1, 2020.
She is survived by three children, Dr. James R. Bailey of Washington, DC, Leanne (Merlon) Schuneman of Heber City, Utah, and Cindy (Brian) Shanahan of New Concord, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Ian Bailey, Jason (Andria) Schuneman, Emily (Alex) Goldenstein, Christian Schuneman, Timothy (Stephanie) Shanahan, Brendan (Brittney) Shanahan, and Katie Shanahan; six great grandchildren, Lillian Schuneman, Graham Schuneman, Wesley Goldenstein, Fiona Goldenstein, Ronan Shanahan, and Margot Shanahan; sisters, Phyllis Jern of Galesburg and Patye Shea of Mesa, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Frances Dianne Bailey on November 26, 1975; and a sister, Jodee Messa.
After raising her family, Mary enrolled in Carl Sandburg College, earning an associate’s degree in 1973. She then earned her bachelor’s degree from Monmouth College in 1976. Mary began teaching in District 205 and continued to teach for 15 years before retiring in 1992.
Mary was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was a part of the Patience Circle, Worship Committee, and Lounge Committee. After her daughter’s death, Mary was instrumental in co-founding the Galesburg Chapter of Compassionate Friends. She served as Chapter Leader and also Treasurer for 20 years.
Mary was very civic minded and was active in volunteer roles with Chapter NH PEO, CASA, Hospice Compassus, the former Cottage Hospital, Cottage Corner, and Cottage Hospital Service Guild, Galesburg Community Foundation Grant Committee, and the Galesburg Rescue Mission. In addition to her volunteer positions, Mary’s hobbies included traveling, cooking and baking, and reading.
The family would like to specifically thank Mary’s caregiver, Tara Main, for all of her dedicated service.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church. Memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Deb Epley officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CASA of West Central Illinois (casaofwestcentralillinois.org) or the ALS Association (als.org). Hinchliff-Pearson-West is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left for the family on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
