Susan M. Bailey

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Susan Bailey Obituary

SUSAN M. BAILEY 9/16/53 TO 12/23/19 Susan M. Bailey, formerly of the San Francisco Bay area, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at her home in Santa Fe, NM, on December 23, 2019. Before she retired, Susan was the principal of Bailey International, a licensed customhouse broker. Upon her retirement, she made her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a very special place to her. A defining character throughout her life was her love of animals - not only dogs and cats but elephant seals and sea lions. She was especially fond of German Shepherds and would get them from rescue groups or find those that failed or aged out of Guide Dogs for the Blind and give them a loving home. For many years she was the Saturday Day Supervisor at The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) in Sausalito and was its operations manager and treasurer during the TMMC's early years. The Saturday Day Crew fondly called her "Bailey." Susan also had an avocation as art historian. While still working full-time, she continued her college pursuits and obtained two masters degrees, specializing in Renaissance Art. Instead of taking normal vacations, she spent time in Florence, Italy, researching archives and studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. She authored the groundbreaking "Botticelli's Primavera: Patronage in Question" and published articles in professional journals on the subject. Susan taught art history at Mills College and San Francisco State University. After moving to New Mexico, she taught classes at the University of New Mexico and Santa Fe Community College. She always made herself available to her students, wanting them to succeed in school and in their lives. As a result of her passion for art history, her love of teaching, and her compassion for others, wherever she taught she received the highest ratings from her students and fellow scholars. Susan leaves behind her significant other Rick Ryan, and sisters Bobbie, Lillian and Sylvia. She will be dearly missed by her uncle, nephew, cousins, nieces, and friends and former students too numerous to mention, located worldwide. We are so grateful to Susan for bringing her smile, laughter and beautiful spark into our lives. Please visit the online register book for Susan at www.RiversideFunerals.com Arrangements entrusted to the caring professionals of: Riverside Funeral Home of Santa Fe 3232 Cerrillos Road (505) 395-9150

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Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Jan. 7 to Jan. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Bailey

13 Entries

Robin

December 23, 2021

Carrying Bailey's memory in our hearts forever.

Terri Asano

January 1, 2021

I think of you often- with love and fondness. You are truly missed.

Robin Delaney

December 24, 2020

We carry your love in our hearts and think of you always, Bailey. Missing you so very much.

Asenath Kepler

March 23, 2020

Susan was a remarkable woman in countless ways. She brought Art History alive at SFCC, especially when sharing her passionate love for great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. I never missed a lecture and learned so much from her, and especially appreciated her inclusion of remarkable women painters who were often ignored in traditional textbooks. May she rest in peace, her memory will live on in the many lives she touched!

Susie and me 2009

Matthew Scot

March 12, 2020

Susan was my second mother, closer to me than my own. We met in 2008 at SFSU and we formed a bond that was more than a mentor. She was the kindest person I've ever known and my life is better because she was a part of it. I've missed her every day since she left the Bay Area and hope she's now at peace. Susie...mi mancherai per sempre.

Erik Carlson

February 21, 2020

Susan was the single person who had the greatest impact on my education, and was my inspiration to pursue a career in art history. I took every class that she taught at SFCC, and we had become friends outside of school. The breadth of her knowledge on the subject of Renaissance art was unbelievable and the community has lost a great asset. Ill miss her greatly. Every time I saw a painting that we had discussed in a museum or gallery in Europe, I would take a moment to text her a picture and wait for her reaction. She was always so excited for me and I cant express how much I will miss that.

Cindy Parra

January 29, 2020

Her passion for teaching inspired many, myself included. I had the chance to have her last semester as my professor. She was the only professor who knew how to make a class fun. I remember she even stayed after class on the last day of school to give us a hug. May she rest in peace. She will be greatly missed.

Terri Asano

January 14, 2020

I will always remember my days working Saturday day crew with fondness- and you were one of the main reasons. You were not just a supervisor. You were a friend, mentor, and an amazing renaissance woman. Your love, caring, compassion, and spirit helped make the world a better place. Even though we lost touch, I thought about you often. Farewell dear friend, may you rest amongst the stars. ❤

Laura Rosenfeld / SFCC Faculty

January 14, 2020

Susan was a wonderful and enthusiastic colleague and faculty. We are deeply saddened .

Angela Chavez

January 9, 2020

It is with sadness to acknowledge the passing of Susan Bailey. As a former student of hers at the Santa Fe Community College, I was very blessed to have Susan as a teacher for two art history classes. She was very excited and loved to teach and share her knowledge with everyone. She was a genuine asset to the Santa Fe Community College. My blessings go out to her family and friends and may she rest in peace.

Alex Traube

January 8, 2020

I appreciated Susan's passion for art, teaching and her students. Her preparation was exceptionally diligent, far exceeding whatever compensation she received at SFCC. I am one of many who will greatly miss her. Go in Peace.

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