Mary Elizabeth Bailey

Mary Elizabeth Bailey, 85 years of age, of Beatrice, passed away Friday, January 9, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society in Beatrice. She was born on Good Friday, March 29, 1929 in Putnam, Connecticut in the hospital nearest to her hometown of Danielson, Connecticut to Ray and Harriet (Nash) Bailey. Mary was a 1947 graduate of Killingly High School, played the saxophone in the school band and orchestra, and later in the Community Band. She took piano lessons for many years. Mary attended the University of Colorado at Boulder from 1949 to 1951, and then worked in Denver for 5 years at the National Farmers Union Life Insurance Company as the reinsurance Clerk.

Mary entered the Foreign Service of the United States Department of State in Washington D.C., working in Communications. After 23 years serving at American Embassies in Cairo, Manila, London, Mexico City, Kabul, and Karachi, she retired to Beatrice in 1979. Mary was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where she was an organist for several years, member of Circle 5, and worked at her Church’s Label Committee. She volunteered for several years at the Hospital Gift Shop and was active in the Community Players Box Office as the Recorder during many annual season ticket drives. Mary received the annual Mary Ellen Morgan award in 1998 for her service to the theater. She enjoyed playing bridge, having afternoon coffees with friends, and especially was an avid tennis fan.

Mary is survived by her sister, Ann Reynolds and husband Richard of Danielson, Connecticut; niece, Nancy Marple and husband Glen of West Point, Utah; and nephew, David Reynolds and wife Kathleen of Danielson, Connecticut. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Robert.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beatrice with Rev. Robert Barnhill officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Beatrice. A register book will be available to sign from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice. Memorials are suggested to the church or the Community Players in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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