Marjorie "Marge" Esther Bailey

Marjorie "Marge" Bailey, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and musical icon, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, at the age of 89. She was born on October 22, 1935, in Elyria, Ohio, to Bill and Esther (Yewey) Clay.

Marge grew up in Ohio, where she attended high school and was actively involved in her church community. It was during these formative years that she discovered her love for music, learning to play the piano beautifully. She went on to attend Nampa Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho, and later studied in Salem, Oregon, before working for Kellogg in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In 1959, Marge’s life changed forever when she met Orin (Al) Bailey, a pilot, on a bus ride to the roller rink. The two quickly became inseparable and married, embarking on a 65-year journey together, raising three children and creating countless cherished memories. The couple enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life, travelling and finally settling in Harwinton, Connecticut, where they lived for over 30 years.

Marge was a loving and devoted mother, balancing her career with family life. As a tax accountant, she founded Litchfield Tax and Accounting Service, where she worked for many years. Beyond her professional life, Marge nurtured her children’s musical talents, taught them to sing, and shared her passion for music. Her quick wit and sense of humor were ever-present in her family’s lives, making her an unforgettable presence.

In 2005, Marge and Al moved to Idaho to be closer to their grandchildren, settling on rural acreage where they continued their love of travel and family. 

Marge’s passion for music never waned. She was a renowned and accomplished singer, pianist, and music arranger. For over 40 years, she was an active member of the International Sweet Adelines barbershop singing organization, shaping the Sweet Adelines artform as we know it today. Marge’s impact on the barbershop community was immeasurable. She served in numerous leadership roles, including International President, Coordinator of the International Music Arrangers, Certified Music Judge, Chair of the Education Committee, Certified International Faculty, and was a sought-after Chorus and Quartet Coach.

Her exceptional contributions to Sweet Adelines were recognized when she was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

Marge is survived by her loving husband, Al Bailey, her two younger brothers, Roger Clay and James Clay, her three children, Roberta Ufford, David Bailey, and Lynda Kupson, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, music, and an enduring influence on all who knew her.

Marge was a woman who loved deeply and was loved in return. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the Sweet Adelines community.

A memorial service and viewing will be held on December 18, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Accent Funeral Home in Meridian, Idaho.

If you wish to make a memorial gift in honor of Marge, checks can be sent to Sweet Adelines International, 9110 S. Toledo Ave., Tulsa, OK. 74137 or follow this link:

https:/sweetadelines.com/give.