Berdyth Bailey

Bailey, Berdyth Ann.
Berdyth Ann Bailey, 88, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2014 at her home in Danbury, CT surrounded by her loved ones. A genuine firecracker, 'Berdie,' as she was known to many, was born on July 4, 1925 in Yonkers, NY to John and Anna Wirtes Seaman.
Shortly after high school during WWII, Berdyth worked nights as a riveter at Eastern Aircraft in Tarrytown, NY. During this time, she admired the servicemen and women in their uniforms travelling to their bases and, as a true patriot, decided to enlist. The WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) were a division of the U.S. Navy that consisted entirely of women. Seaman Seaman served as a Pharmacist's Mate Third Class and was assigned to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA.
She was married to Albert Abbott Bailey for 19 years and the couple had three daughters. As a single mother, Berdyth made a life for herself and her girls in Danbury working for Eagle Pencil, which later become Berol Corporation, for 34 years (August, 1958 - March, 1992) as an executive assistant to the corporate comptroller.
After retiring, Berdyth travelled extensively throughout the world and enjoyed an active lifestyle which included bowling, visiting casinos, and participating in activities such as ceramics at the Bethel Senior Center. Never one to sit still, she also worked part time for Drs. Vicki Blumberg and Martha Severino. In addition, she was a dedicated volunteer for local organizations including the Danbury Police Department, the Pope John Paul Center, the Danbury and New Fairfield boards of education, the Danbury Museum and Historical Society, and at the Danbury Hospital Gift Shop where she recently completed 1,600 hours of volunteer service. You could also spot Berdyth with her family and friends enjoying a dirty martini and a meal at her favorite local restaurant, Jim Barbarie's.
Berdyth is survived by her daughters Arlene (James) Crawford of San Diego, CA; Souby (Steve) Boski of New Milford, CT and Pam Bailey of Chicago, IL; her sister Dorothy Paust of Spring Hill, FL; her grandchildren DJ and Caitlin Crawford; her great-grandchild Deegan Crawford; her nieces Joan Cody, Marilyn Clark, Patt Paust, Kathy Vitu, Kerry Mea, and nephew Robert Paust.
A devout member of St. Joseph Parish for over 55 years, a funeral mass and memorial service will be held there in early July. Details will be shared by the family at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made to the American Cancer Society or Danbury Hospital Praxair Cancer Center.