Eleanor Ann "Annie" Bailey

Eleanor Ann Bailey, known to everyone as Annie, beloved sister of Andrew (d. 2022), Kate, Tommy, Val and Willy (d. 1981), daughter of Denis (d. 2003) and Susannah (d. 1996), passed peacefully on October 27, 2023. Annie had been very ill and in care since December 2022; over this past year her family and many of her friends visited, spent time with her, played music for her or enjoyed a card game with her, which always cheered her up. Annie had a zest for life that didn't diminish even during her final days. She's probably already found a swing band to play in on the other side.
Annie loved a good laugh, and had an infectious grin and a sharp intellect, which made her a lively companion. Whether she was cracking jokes or brightening up the room with her personality, Annie had a knack for making people smile. She loved people and had to be involved in about anything that was going on.
Starting when she was a teenager, Annie loved listening to and playing music of many genres, including bluegrass, swing, celtic and folk, and she played guitar, fiddle and acoustic bass. Annie was a fixture in the Vancouver music scene, starting in the 1980s when she was active with the Pacific Bluegrass and Heritage Society, and spent summer vacations at B.C. Bluegrass Camp. Her musical interests and friends expanded further when she took up acoustic bass and playing swing. Annie played in many groups over the years, bluegrass, swing, as well as some styles that would be difficult to label. Annie was a keen collaborator in any musical adventure, and always brought her a-game to any group or jam she participated in. For the past couple of decades, Annie had friends she got together with weekly to play music, and she regularly spent her annual summer vacation at the B.C. Swing Camp in Sorrento, B.C., where she considered everyone part of her extended family.
Annie also enjoyed diverse people, photography, literature, nature, food, and good conversation. Annie especially loved gardening and her garden was her happiest place. She completed a Master Organic Gardener diploma during the Covid years and spent hours outdoors, absorbed in her plans for her plants.
Annie will be deeply missed by all, whether family or friend. A celebration of life for Annie is being planned for early 2024.