Mary I. Bailey

November 1, 1948 - May 12, 2025

On May 12, 2025, Mary Bailey was taken too soon from those who loved her. Her memory will be a blessing to many. Mary came through many life struggles with strength and resolve. She loved her family with every fiber of her being.

She was born on November 1, 1948 to Earl and Mary Bailey (Henkel) both of whom predeceased her. She graduated from Notre Dame High School. Mary raised four children as a young single mother with the help of her mother and her siblings. She often worked multiple jobs to ensure that they had what they needed. Her annual Christmas cookie decorating get-togethers and scarecrow building for children in the family were legendary. Mary was so proud to support three of her children while they served in different branches of the US military. She volunteered with the VA for several years planning and fundraising for annual picnics for Milwaukee veterans. She also volunteered to help with the Downs Syndrome fundraising walk/run. She retired from both the State of Wisconsin and the County of Milwaukee after many years of service. She now joins her mother and her brothers Bob, Tom, John, and Stephen Bailey. She is survived by her sisters, Judye Katzka, Regina Nord, and Theresa Bailey and her brother Michael Bailey.

Her greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her love of 35 years, Thomas Strzyzewski, with whom she shared countless adventures as they travelled the world. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will miss her cheerleading and her sassy wit. They are: Lori A Bailey and her children Regina and Patrick Brown; David M Bowen and his children Anthony and Nicholas Bowen; Leah M Bethe and her children Joey, Susan, and Stephen Bethe; and Lisa M Olson and her son Zachary Ahnefeld. She took joy in trying to spoil her great-grandchildren (including providing chocolate cake for breakfast before sending them home to their parents). Her great grandchildren include Keith, Jason, Warren-James, Michael, Niklaus, Amara, and Marcellus Bowen and Gotham Ahnefeld.

If you would like, in lieu of flowers, please donate in Mary’s name to Milwaukee Center for Independence. The organization provided great joy to our family and to her brother, Stephen, who had Downs Syndrome. https://cfihope.org/mcfi-foundation/donate-in-honor-or-memory/

Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives

Zachary Ahnefeld

Leah Bethe

LIsa

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I have so many memories of my Grandmother. Tingalings was the first tradition to come to mind, and Steve Fest. I love you grandma. You know that.

So sorry to hear about Mary. She shared iris bulbs with me and when they bloom I always think if her. I worked with her at Broadscope and loved her sassy and direct personality.

Lisa and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know the pain you are feeling and dealing with right now and how difficult it is to have to lay a parent to rest. I pray that you take comfort in knowing there are people who love and support you and your family and that you will remember all the good times you shared with your mother in hopes they bring a smile to your face and comfort to your heart. My you be blessed with the comfort of friends and your family during this extremely difficult time. Jeremy Swartz (FEMA R5 Colleague)

I remember a time at her house I was playing baseball in the backyard and hit a ball through the garage window. She was upset but instead of being irate, she just had me work it off by mowing her yard for her. I remember so many good times to. Like all the get together at her house for family time or cookie making with all the cousins at her huge heavy extension table. I loved her. And I miss her. Rest in love grandma

In memory of Mary I. Bailey, Leah Bethe lit a candle

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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Mary I. Bailey

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