Obituary of Merle Bailey

Merle Bailey, of Buchans, Newfoundland, peacefully passed away on November 22, 2023, with her loving nieces and many dear friends by her side, at the A.M. Guy Memorial Hospital, at the age of 103. Pre-deceased by her husband Garfield (Thomas) Bailey, parents Dorman and Alice Blake, sisters Laura (George Warren), Minnie (Max Richmond), Olive (Claude Hussey), Marion (Norman Harrison) and brothers Lloyd (Ella), Max, Heber (Jessie) and dear friend Bonnie Gushue. Left with fond memories are sister in law Dorothy Blake, and many nieces and nephews. Merle was born on June 23, 1920, in Burton’s Shore, NL. and grew up in Too Good Arm. At the age of 19, she ventured off to St John’s to work. It was in St John’s that she met the love of her life, Thomas Garfield Bailey, lovingly known by all as Garf. They were married on December 16th, 1942 on Fogo Island and spent nearly 10 years there. Merle and Garf moved to Buchans in 1954 and continued to build their life together. Always found in Merle’s twinkling eyes, and gentle touch, was her sense of fun and her deep belief in the presence of God and His love for us all. She saw God’s presence everywhere, especially in nature and in children, her special one being her nephew Sam. When she wasn’t outside gardening, Merle would be found cooking up a storm, tending to her home or doing her much loved handwork well into the night. She also enjoyed the quiet peacefulness of catching some rays on the back deck and phone calls to family and friends. We are all left to walk in Merle’s inspiring footprints; to follow the word of God, help others and if at all possible, to leave things better than when we found them. The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at the James Paton and A.M. Guy Memorial Hospitals. Heartfelt thanks to Merle’s Homecare workers, neighbours and special friends who made Merle’s final years so meaningful and joyful. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 25th, at 1 p.m. at Isles funeral home in Twillingate. Interment to follow at the St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery, Pikes Arm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery Fund. Condolences may be offered to the family at the Isles Funeral home in Twillingate. “Love God, eat your vegetables, go outside, and do what you can for your community and others”.- Merle Bailey on living to 100 and beyond