Irene W. Bailey

Irene (Woods) Bailey, 90 of Webster County and formerly of Sarasota, FL passed away Sunday March 3, 2013 at the Western KY Veterans Center in Hanson. Irene was a very kind, supportive, person that would always come to the area for weddings and family gatherings. Born and raised in Slaughters , KY Graduated from Sebree High School in 1939. Went to nursing school in Chicago at Englewood Hospital finished in 1943. Irene enlisted in the army as a 1st Lt. General Duty Nurse 3/9/44 to 1/30/46. Married Robert C. Bailey WW II pilot for a short time. He was killed in a air training mission off an aircraft carrier and was lost at sea. Irene received one of the first BS in nursing from Evansville College. She worked for the Kaiser Group in Oakland, CA. From there she moved to Chicago and was teaching at a nursing program. She then moved to St. Petersburg, FL was she was the Director of Nursing at a local hospital. She finished her career at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Fl. She lived with a companion Ms. Harriet De Chow for many years. Harriet was the Dean of a 2 year Nursing college in Bradenton, Fl. Irene had a long time housekeeper Mamie that took care of the house, cooking, and laundry. She also had a pet Chihuahua named Sue that was loved by them for many years. Irene and Harriet and Irene's siblings enjoyed making many trips together after they were retired. Unfortunately Irene's mind deteriorated in the end her and siblings Marjorie Bridwell and Tommy Woods took care of her in her declining years. In the end she spent her last 10 years of life in the WKVC in Hanson, KY. Where the family was so pleased with the care she received. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert C. Bailey who was lost at sea during WWII, brother; L. Thomas Woods and a sister Marjorie Bridwell. She is survived by 2 sisters; Clara Jo Grubel of Sarasota, Fl Mary Riecken of Evansville, IN Nieces and Nephews. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday at Tomblinson Funeral Home Sebree Chapel. Chaplain Sam Beeny will officiate. Burial will be in Petersburg Cemetery near Sebree with full military rites by Hopkins County Honor Guard. Visitation will be Thursday from 1:00 until 2:00 at the funeral home.