I know you have passed, but here is a little message from me to you to say thank you for a better childhood because of you. I was fortunate enough to not only go to Richmond Elementary, but also St. Aiden’s and I was a Songster from the beginning. I grew up to be a music teacher, not half the teacher you were, and I so kindly remember seeing you at one of my perfomances some odd 20 years ago in my early 20′s (I was singing at several points during a usical review at UVIC). We had a quick run in after the show, and you complemented me on my beautiful singing! Little did I know for all the years I was in Songters, and then the Intermediate Choir at St. Aiden’s, that sadly I couldn’t sing a note in tune! Not a problem for the incredible Mrs. Bailey….. she sweetly put me between two strong “in tune” singers, and helped me on my way to singing the right note at the right time.

You are fondly remembered, and I wish your family all the happiness every time they think of you.

All my Love,
Tracy Sinclair (-Wong)

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Bailey.
I so fondly remember living on Fredrick Norris with you all and learning so much about God, life, studying hard, Young Life and simply how to be a good person. Many wonderful memories have come to my mind from this news. My very favourite time at your house was our after dinner chats. Where Paul, Dennis, you, Mrs. B. and I would chat about anything under the sun. It was so nice to have “family” when I was away from mine. I will be praying for you all in your time of sorrow. Mrs. B was truly an amazing woman; a true Proverbs 31 lady. God be with you all. Love, Renee

Just wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts. I would like to say I am sorry for your loss. You see that Mrs Bailey was my first real friend when I moved to Victoria. I was a very shy and quiet kid who had some troubles with a new home and school. She took me into her music room and asked if I would like to join the chior. I was terrified and excited at the same time. THIS change my life forever!!! She pushed me just hard enough and boy did it work. Even today I find myself singing some of the songs she taught me so many years ago. I believe that her life was a celabration and a blessing to all.

God Bless

Daniel J. Lomas

With love & prayers,

Jan

As the family’s first babysitter when you moved to Victoria, I remember 4 shining children (3 little buzz-cut heads and a baby girl) neatly tucked into their beds and fast asleep when I arrived at 7:00 p.m. …a babysitter’s dream! Carol was but 6 weeks old and she stayed asleep for the duration. Mothers could take lessons from you, Val.

As one of the earlier boarders in the long Bailey tradition of boarders, Jim remembers being greeted by “Mrs. B.” on the doorstep at 2044, and told he’d be welcome if he got a haircut. “But I’ve just come from the barber’s! ” Jim protested. “You certainly didn’t get your money’s worth!’ retorted Mrs. B. Fortunately Jim was allowed to move in anyway with his modified Beatles cut, and I don’t think he corrupted the Bailey children too badly. For $80 a month, Jim got a Val Bailey- made bagged lunch every day, a breakfast of oatmeal porridge every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (eggs on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and a solid family meal every evening. He had the boarder’s quarters in the basement which came complete with a built in alarm clock : the commencement of somebody’s piano scales at 7:00 a.m. He had his cord Levis and jeans ironed weekly whether he wanted them ironed or not, and received oversight in his attire when dating me. Mrs. B., we can tell you now: Jim did wear those jeans to Easter dinner at my parent’s house after all. He had to escape out the basement window to avoid your inspection, though! I even managed to get in on some of the fashion advice when I turned up in a pair of Jim’s jeans during a phase in 1972. (It was not a favourable review.)
Val Bailey is the only woman I know who procured a personalized license plate before they were officially available in B.C. And for free, of course! When she heard they were giving out plates close to her initials, but only in sequence, she visited the motor vehicle licensing bureau numerous times over several days, convincing strangers to allow her to switch places in line, so that she could obtain plate # VJB 123. How she found time to indulge herself in such details while raising four children, teaching, running the St. Aiden’s Songsters, maintaining family photo albums never more than a few weeks out of date, a rigourous housekeeping routine, and countless other activities will remain a mystery to me. I have learned many things from you Val, but no one could ever replicate your unique style of living.

At our wedding almost 37 years ago, I remember sage advice from Val and Bill: “50-50″. I guess it’s worked. Thank you for your love and support, your interest in us, all the conversations and the prayers as we became Christians and began to serve God. You were a blessing. We look forward to meeting again in eternity, your memories fully restored.

Love to all….. Margaret and Jim Alexander

Your wife and mother was not just a teacher to me, she was an encourager and mentor. I always looked forward to music class because I knew I could and would be challenged – and that was hard to do:) To this day when I hear Tchaikovsky’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ I see the chart with all the analysis, and I still sing, So-La-Ti-Do at the right time. Even after Elementary School I attended Bible Studies in your home led by your borders and then she attended my graduating vocal recital. What a treasure she is and I look forward to seeing her one day again. We have a hope in an everlasting Father who does not disappoint. We will see her again!

Laurinda