Marilyn Bailey

YOUNGSTOWN – Marilyn L. Bailey, 80, peacefully passed from this world to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, surrounded by her immediate family.

She was born December 9, 1943, in Youngstown, the daughter of Andrew and Mary (Dussek) Waback.  A graduate of the Chaney High School Class of 1961, Marilyn epitomized a life laser-focused upon the service, care and well-being of others.

After being employed with General Accident Insurance Company and raising her children to school age, she embarked on a remarkable career, spanning three decades, as a breakfast/lunch aide and recess monitor with the Youngstown City Schools.  Marilyn cherished the children, often supporting the disadvantaged, and she enjoyed partnering with co-workers to foster students’ success.  As an active participant in her sons’ PTA, Marilyn took great joy in spoiling the children and spearheading the delivery of thousands of goodie bags, spreading happiness and warmth among those in her care.  Even after retiring from public school duties, she maintained long-standing relationships, often laughing and reminiscing about the “old times” during social outings with fellow workers.      

 With targeted passion, Marilyn was dedicated to various volunteer activities that maximized positivity and inspired those around her.  Possessing an open heart and inquisitive spirit, she was an active member of both St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church and Bethel Assembly of God Church.  She served as a member of the Rosary Society, occasionally contributed as a St. Mary’s caterer and generously volunteered with Bingo concessions to fundraise for the St. Mary’s Altar Boys.    

Marilyn’s legacy of loving devotion and unsurpassed commitment to others are the immeasurable treasures she exemplified and passed to her family.  Whether supporting educational pursuits of her two sons or being a sage confidant to her grandchildren, she shaped a trajectory for multiple family generations who are dedicated to selfless service for our nation and local community.  She is survived by her two loving sons, Captain William (Tami) J. Bailey, Jr., JAGC, U.S. Navy, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Dr. Thomas (Michelle) A. Bailey of Austintown whom she both frequently touted; sister Nancy (James) Zone of Austintown; grandchildren, Lieutenant Bradley (Haley) W. Bailey, U.S. Navy, Lieutenant Benjamin (Elizabeth) F. Bailey, U.S. Navy, Ensign Brooke (Cole) E. Billiot, U.S. Navy, and Justin (Melinda) Mondok; great-grandchildren, McKenna, Emerson, Savannah and soon to be born Jethro; and many nieces and nephews.  

 She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William J. Bailey, Sr., a veteran and retired Youngstown Police Officer, whom she married on December 28, 1968, and who passed away on August 22, 2017; her brother, Andy (Phyllis) Waback and nephew Ken Waback.   

A Parastas Service will be held for family and friends Monday, February 12, 2024, at 4:00 PM, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.  Visitation will follow that brief service until 6:00 PM.  The evening concludes with a prayer service at 6:00 PM, celebrated by Pastor Joel Theis. 

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 10:30 AM, at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown, with Reverend R.I. Lambert officiating. 

The family requests that material tributes take the form of donations to the American Heart Association, St. Jude’s’s Children Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.