Obituary of Jeanette Marguerite Bailey

April 25, 1947 - Stettler, Alberta
December 5, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Jeanette Bailey, beloved wife, mother, grandma, aunt and friend, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at the age of 76 years.

Jeanette was born in Stettler, AB on April 25, 1947. She grew up in Big Valley, AB and was the daughter of John (Jack) and Amy Darch. 

Jeanette graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Pharmacy. She was working at Stettler Drugs in Stettler when she met the new veterinarian in town and her future husband. Jeanette and Jeremy were married on January 18, 1975 in Banff, AB, welcomed daughter Carolyn in 1976 and daughter Michelle in 1978.

Jeanette and Jeremy moved to South Africa shortly after being married, and after a couple of subsequent moves to Calgary and Edmonton they settled in Saskatoon in 1979 where they lived for 30 years and raised their family. The friends that they made in Saskatoon were more than just friends, they served as an extended family to Jeanette, Jeremy, and the girls. 

During their first years in Saskatoon, Jeanette stayed at home to raise their girls while Jeremy finished graduate school. In those years she created the foundation for a strong family and instilled a “can do” mindset in her girls. Jeanette never shied away from a challenge. She told her children they could do anything they put their minds to and lived her life that way as well. Jeanette worked tirelessly to make a rich and rewarding life for her family. In 1984, Jeanette returned to university to requalify as a pharmacist and re-entered the workforce in Saskatoon, working at various pharmacies until her retirement. 

Jeanette and Jeremy had a very active social life in Saskatoon, playing squash, curling, golfing, and playing bridge. They loved to cook and host their many friends in their home, Jeanette was an exceptional cook and baker. Jeanette was also a very talented seamstress and took on many projects from “Denim Duds” to dance costumes for entire dance studios to bridesmaid dresses for several wedding parties. She was community minded and lent her considerable talents to St. Mark’s Anglican church, Saskatoon Community Living, and other organizations. The family spent their summers camping, namely at Namekus Lake near Waskesiu, and they traveled the world together. In 1990, they spent a year on sabbatical in Bristol, England. Jeanette was the official family tour guide, spending all week planning the next weekend’s adventure. She had a passion for history and adventure, sometimes much to the chagrin of family.  

After Jeanette and Jeremy retired, they moved to Kelowna, BC in 2009 and enjoyed a few years of retirement in their beautiful dream home overlooking Lake Kelowna. There they spent their time gardening, golfing and creating a new circle of friends. Jeremy and Jeanette enjoyed many trips together around the world sometimes with friends and other times visiting special family scattered around the globe. Unfortunately, life had other plans for Jeanette and after her health began to decline, they moved to Calgary in 2018 to be closer to their daughters and their families.

Her family and her friends were the epicenter of her life. She will be most remembered for her bright smile, her impeccable style, keen intelligence, and her love of a good party. She was a social being and her network of friends extends around the world. She had two very special friends who passed far too young, but we picture them welcoming her, with arms flung open to the next big party. 

Jeanette is remembered by her adoring husband Jeremy; two daughters, Carolyn (Rob) and Michelle (James); and by her cherished grandchildren, Logan, Tyler, Meghan, Margot, Eloise and Vivienne. Also remembered by her three sisters-in-law, Robin (Tim), Jean, Madeleine (Clive) and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Jeanette is predeceased by her parents Amy Darch (nee Taylor, 1994) and Jack Darch (1992), her sister Heather Koski (nee Darch, 2020), and her brother-in-law Garnet Bonsor (2015).

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Bailey’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jeanette’s family here.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Calgary, https://www.alzheimercalgary.ca/get-involved/support-us/donate-now 

In living memory of Jeanette Bailey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click here to View the Memorial Card for Jeanette Bailey

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