Joan G. Bailey

Of Sun City, Arizona, age 83, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2012. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Brian H. Bailey, her sister, Betty Eisenman, seven children and fifteen grandchildren.

Born February 4, 1929 to parents Lawrence S. and Pauline Gross, Joan was raised in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, California and graduated from high school in 1947. Joan and Brian were married on May 14, 1955, and they raised seven children at their home in Lanham, Maryland. After raising her family, she entered the University of Maryland and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelors Degree in Food Science. Joan and Brian retired to Bethany Beach, DE in 1999 and then to Sun City, AZ in 2006.

She was an active member and president of many organizations, to include: the District of Columbia CPA Wives Association, the Washington Host Ladies of the Lions Club, and the Sun City Lakes East Ladies Golf Association.

Throughout her life, Joan loved traveling the world and was particularly proud of having visited six of the seven continents. She also enjoyed playing bridge, cooking, Terrapin Athletics and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She fought a courageous battle against Cancer and will be remembered for her gracious smile, strong will and determination to live each day to the fullest.

A memorial mass will be held on April 14, 2012 at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church in Sun City, Arizona. Inurnment in the Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley, In memory of Joan Bailey, 9435 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345