Josephine Bailey

1937 - 2025

Josephine (Joann) Bailey, 87, born September 18,1937 in Columbus to Thomas and Victoria (Jasper) Pensick. She attended school in Columbus graduating from St Bonaventure in 1955. She eloped with David Bailey on April 16,1955. When her mom found out she made Dave become a Catholic and get remarried in the Catholic Church the following November. They were married 65 years until his passing Nov. 11, 2020. A celebration of life with be held on October 18th at the VFW at 1914 W Capital Avenue in Grand Island from 12-4. She worked at The Railroader Cafe in Columbus, where she met Dave, Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant, Rainbo Bread store, Fonner Park, and owned and operated the Hideaway bar with Dave in the 70's. She was a member of the VFW and Blessed Sacrament Church. She loved cheeseburgers, painted fingernails and red lipstick and wore it every day. She liked playing Bingo, Pitch and Scrabble. Reading to all her grandkids and making up games to keep them entertained. She was adored by all of her grandchildren, especially the girls, who often fought over who was her favorite. She attended as many of their activities as she could. She liked bowling, going on numerous vacations with Vicki, Bruce and Marge and going to the horse races when she was younger. She developed Alzheimer's disease in the last few years of her life. Not limiting her life but changing it. Sometimes good, funny and witty. Othertimes, sleepy and listless. Like she had to recharge. Every day was different. She is survived by 5 children, Daniel, his kids, Nathan (Misty) Bailey, Christine (Simon) Valderaz, and Jack Bailey. Vicki Hellbusch, her kids, Michael Parmley (Brittany Calvin) and Alaina Parmley. David (Mike), wife Stacy, kids, Nicole (Shawn Anderson), Jeremy, Zachary (Kayla), Allan, and Danialle (Aaron) McGee. Bruce Bailey, and Brian, sons, Jaden and Levi. 25 great grandchildren, one sister-in-law Barb Pensick and ex sister-in-law Donna Henderson. God children Kindy Massing and Rusty Fisher. Also, numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Christine in 1961, her parents, in-laws, Ellen and John Monie, Glen and Lil Bailey. Brothers and sisters-in-law Sonny (Jackie), Ronnie (Linda), Larry (Iretta), Jim and Kenny. Sisters and brothers-in-law Geraldine (Bill) Muller, Donna (Ted) Rich, and Margaret (Bob) Gonka, who passed 7 days before JoAnn. Special thanks to her family of caregivers at Country House for loving her as much as we did and caring for her when we finally couldn't do it at home any longer. We will forever miss the beautiful, smart, sparkling diamond that kept our family together.