Laura Noble Bailey

1936 - 2019

FALMOUTH - Laura Noble Bailey, 82, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. Formerly of Winthrop, Maine, she later moved to Hillside Terrace Assisted Living in Hallowell, Maine, then to Sedgewood Commons, Falmouth, Maine. The family is grateful for the care she received at Hillside and Sedgewood.Born Oct. 16, 1936, at Mary Fletcher Hospital, Burlington, Vt., she was the eldest daughter of the late Winona (Spencer) and C. Murray Noble, of Jeffersonville, Vt. She graduated Cambridge High School in 1954, received a bachelor's degree in education in 1958, and taught in Brattleboro and Burlington, Vt., schools.Laura married Jacob Bailey June 27, 1959, in Jeffersonville, Vt. She and Jake lived in Burlington, and later, Rutland, Vt., moving to Bangor, Maine in 1969 and to Winthrop, Maine, in 1974. At Jeffersonville Congregational Church, Laura taught the children's classes while she was in high school. She and Jake led a youth group at Grace Congregational UCC, Rutland, and she helped establish the Wednesday morning prayer group that is still active today. At All Soul's Congregational UCC, Bangor, Winthrop Congregational UCC, and South Parish Congregational UCC, Augusta, Laura served in various positions (Deacon, Christian Education teacher, Missions, Worship). Laura served 19 years on the State Board for Women's Fellowship, UCC. At Winthrop United Methodist Church, she served on the committee for the Bicentennial celebration, and served as a Stephen's Minister and a Certified Lay Speaker.Laura was a lifelong advocate for diabetes education. She was a founding member of the Maine Chapter of the American Diabetes Association. A pioneer in the Diabetes Control Project, she testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Appropriations in Washington, D.C., three times. Her compelling testimony helped fund diabetes education and research and was instrumental in the passing of a law to mandate that insurance companies pay for diabetes supplies. She traveled across the country, presenting to physicians and lawmakers alike, in her efforts to advocate for persons with diabetes. In spite of the challenges of Type 1 Diabetes, Laura loved life and faced it with faith, joy, and a sense of humor. Laura was predeceased by her husband, Jake. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Bailey-Mitchell and husband, Harbour, and Winona Hunt; her grandchildren, Bailey Anne Bradley and husband, Thomas, Spencer Roberts, Joshua, Heather, and Ian Hunt; her stepgranddaughters, Kate Mitchell and husband, Zack Bly, Lauren and Sarah Mitchell. She is also survived by brothers, Fred Noble and partner, Kathy, Spencer Noble and wife, Robin; sister, Jane Porter and husband, David; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including special friend, Steve Gates.A memorial service will be held at Winthrop United Methodist Church May 18, 2019, at 2 p.m. Visiting hours precede from 12:30 - 2 p.m. Flowers welcome! Funeral arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, Maine. Memories, condolences, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.familyfirstfh.com Memorial gifts may be made to: The American Diabetes Association, New England Office, 260 Cochituate Rd., #200, Framingham, MA 01701 or the church of your choice.