DONNA JEAN BAILEY, age 58, passed away on Sunday April 10, 2005 at her home in Big Lake surrounded by her loving family, following a battle with cancer.
Donna was born on April 3, 1947 in Sedro-Woolley, the second child of William Howard & Clarissa Pells Handy. She was raised and attended school in Sedro-Woolley and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1965, after which she attended a business school in Seattle for a year.
Donna went to school with and married William ‘Bill’ Bailey in Cour d’ Alene, Idaho on April 2, 1966. In 1969 they moved to Big Lake where they raised there two sons, Bill, Jr. and Kelly. Donna and they boys continued to live in the family home after she and Bill divorced in 1984. In 1988 Donna fell in love with high school friend, Larry Lindbloom and they have been together ever since.
There was always a houseful at the Bailey house. We often laughing said, ‘There must be a sign down on Highway 9 that told kids and animals to go to Donna’s house’. Over the years lots of both spent time there and were treated with love, and they in return loved Donna.
Donna worked in payroll at Snelson, Inc. during the early 70’s. In 1977 she went to work for United General Hospital and was head of Data Processing for many years. In 1990 she began working for Affiliated Health Services when United General and Skagit Valley Hospitals merged. In May of 2002 she retired with a disability.
Donna had lots of interest during her life time. As a child, she was an avid fisherman with her Dad and had many stories to tell. In the 1970’s she, Bill and the boys belonged to Skagit Hillclimbers Jeep Club. She was a past member of Skagina Women’s Club and the Louis G. Sharpenberg Orthopedic Guild. She loved to crochet and read, travel to Reno, shop by mail from ABC, from where everyone in the family has numerous items. She also loved to go to camping and go to the cabin that she, Larry and the boys built at Reflection Lake in Okanogan County. Mostly she loved her boys and all her grandchildren, and babysat whenever she could.
Donna is survived by her parents, Howard & Clarissa Handy. Her loving companion of 17 years, Larry Lindbloom; her 2 sons, William ‘Bill’ Bailey, Jr. and his 2 children, Keaton & Kale; and Kelly Bailey and his wife, Tammy and their 6 children, Tori, Dayton, Kaylyn, Shelby, Dylan and William. Also her extended family, son, Gary Lindbloom and his wife, Debbie and their 2 children, Ericka & Bryce; son, Joe Lindbloom and his wife, Sia and their son, Ki; daughter, Rachel Johnson and her husband, Corey and their 2 children, Brady & Lindsey and daughter, Jessica Howard and her child. 2 Sisters, Clara May Hooper and her husband Gordon, and Diane Feeney and her husband Don. Brother, William ‘Bill’ Handy, Jr. and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and very dear friends.
The family suggests memorials be made to Skagit Hospice, P.O. Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or Children’s Hospital, MS/S – 200. P.O. Box 50020, Seattle, WA 98145.
Graveside services will be held on Friday April 15, 2005 at 1:00 pm at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery with Pastor Fred Bowdy officiating. Visitation available on Wednesday & Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Friday from 9 am to noon at Lemley Chapel. Evening visitation available by appointment.
