Margaret Jean Bailey

By Daughter Cathy Hernandez

Margaret Jean Bailey, beloved Mother, Grandmother, cherished friend and pillar of our family, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024 at the age of 89. Her life was a testament to faith, strength and unwavering love.

Born during the Great Depression September 4, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, she grew up in very difficult times, yet her family was always happy and close. Mom described her own mother as “fun to be with” as they often would take the “Red Car Street Cars” to downtown Los Angeles to eat at Cliftons Cafeteria and shop for porcelain dolls which my mother collected. Mom never knew her family was poor, as love and fun times filled their home.

Eventually, her parents were able to buy property in Covina and start a poultry ranch. Margaret attended Covina High School and after graduating went on to marry and have five children.

Margaret resided in La Verne for the past 57 years after purchasing a home in 1967. She worked as an accountant and as an Enrolled Tax Agent. In her last position before retirement, she spent ten years with Hillcrest Homes working as an accountant. While at Hillcrest, she developed a group of special girlfriends who remained close throughout her life. They affectionately named themselves the Looney Tune friends and had nicknames for each other. The friend’s group had many trips together and celebrations for each other.

Mom was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for her entire life and has loved being a member of this caring and loving community. She wholeheartedly believed in the Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ and was a beautiful example to others.

She was the loving mother of five children who remember her as an independent and self-sufficient woman with a firm commitment to the family. She never missed her children or grandchildren’s special events like birthdays, awards ceremonies, graduations, or sporting events. Mom was known for pulling off incredible Christmas’ and remembering everyone in the family with clever and generous gifts, all with gorgeous package wrappings. Like her mother, she too was “fun to be with”.

Mom loved reading (especially Danielle Steel novels) and watching Hallmark movies. She loved traveling all over the world including traveling on bikes with her Brother David Dobbs, riding over 700 miles up the coast of Wales when she was in her 50’s.

Margaret is survived by her four children, Steve Albert of Rancho Cucamonga CA, Cindy Mills of Mesa Arizona, Cathy Hernandez of Glendora CA, and Russ Albert of Bakersfield CA. She is also survived by thirteen Grandchildren and ten Great-Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her Daughter Jenny Walrod of Dolores Colorado in 2020, and her Husband Gerald Bailey in 2014.

Margaret's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will treasure the memories and lessons she imparted. May the celebration of her life be a comforting gathering for all who knew and loved her as we honor her memory and the remarkable person she was.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life on Saturday July 13th:

Funeral Service

Saturday July 13, 2024

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

2645 Amherst St

La Verne, CA 91750

9:30am – 10:00 Viewing

10:00 – 11:30 Funeral Service