Blanche C. Bailey

RYE -- Blanche Cora Bailey, 98, died Sept. 5, 2008, at Webster at Rye.

She was born in Sunapee Aug. 23, 1910, the daughter of Preston M. Bailey and Gustie B (Davis) Bailey.

She attended Sunapee public schools and Keene Normal School, graduating in 1929. She received her bachelor's degree in music education at the University of New Hampshire in 1961. She began her education career in Sutton, teaching music. She also taught at elementary schools in Warner, Bradford, and Hopkinton and Hopkinton; and Simonds (Warner) high schools.

She also founded the Area Choir in Newport in 1953, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1993.

In 1965 she moved to Exeter and taught at the elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. She was an active statewide music educator, conducted many all-state choruses and taught at The Summer Youth Music School (SYMS) at UNH. She retired from teaching in Exeter in 1976 but continued teaching private instrument lessons to students of all ages until this spring.

She was a member of The Congregational Church of Exeter and its choir and music committee for many years.

IN HER LIFE: Although Blanche had no living relatives for the last 20 years of her life, she is survived by several adopted families. Those families include Walter and Nancy Pierce of Portsmouth and their three daughters, Toddy, Corie, and Heather; David Michaud and his partner, Bill Scott "Scott," of Exeter, and David's children, Melissa and Mark; Marge Robinson of Exeter and her daughter, Elizabeth; and Judi Casey of Exeter. In addition to these adopted children and grandchildren, she leaves many devoted friends who loved her dearly and will miss her.

SERVICES: Service is Friday at 11 a.m. in the Congregational Church of Exeter, with the Rev. Nancy Rockwell officiating. A reception will follow in the church's vestry. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blanche C. Bailey Scholarship Fund for a graduating senior from Exeter High School pursuing an education in the field of music and mailed to Nancy T. Pierce, 229 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, 03801.

Brewitt Funeral Home, Exeter, is in charge of arrangements. To sign an online guest book, visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com.