Dorothy Bailey

Dorothy (Dot) Bailey, 80, of Springvale, was greeted by a multitude of angels and brought safely to heaven on October 26, 2011 to claim her rightful pair of wings. She was lovingly surrounded by her husband of 58 years, three daughters and a granddaughter.Dot was born on January 4, 1931 in East Greenwich, RI the daughter of Louis and Coranna (Salvas) Rodrigues. In 1938, her parents established the Warwick Drum and Bugle Corps. Dot jumped in with both feet, becoming a majorette and subsequently claiming the title of State Champion Baton Twirler. She was also a flag twirler, a drum major, color guard Captain, and a snare drummer. She took that love of music and drumming, and became a skilled drummer in an all women's band in the 1950's in Vermont. She graduated from Lockwood High School in 1950 and then attended college at Johnson and Wales, where she obtained a degree in Business Studies. While participating in the drum corps, she met a bugler by the name of Robert Bailey, who later became her husband. They spent most weekends on the road, marching in various parades and band competitions for years, where they earned countless ribbons and trophies. One of her favorite jobs was as a drop line switchboard operator for Green Mountain Power in Burlington, VT. As she began the next phase of her life, she found her true vocation, being a "world class mom." She became a volunteer at Skinner Road School in Vernon, CT. She was also an active member of the PTA for many years. She, her husband and 2 of their daughters moved from Vernon, CT to Springvale, ME in 1979. Once in Maine, she became involved in local politics and civic affairs, serving as a town meeting member and poll worker. For several years she was a waitress for both Marriott Corp. and Le Chef caterers where her beautiful smile, interest in serving others and great personality were able to shine.Dot was a well known and loved member of St. George's Episcopal Church in Sanford where she enjoyed volunteering for many years. She loved the beach, sewing, knitting, dinner with friends, and being with her "girls" summers in RI at Buttonwoods Campground. She was a selfless caregiver, devoted wife, dear friend, world class mother and grandmother. She would light up a room with her smile, and was always the life of the party. She made friends throughout her life, and made quite an impression on others with her kind and loving spirit. She is survived by her husband Robert Bailey, of Springvale, ME: three daughters Nance Cashman, and her husband John, of Tarriffville CT; Denise Bailey, of Sanford, ME, Pamela Bailey, of Biddeford, ME, as well as four grandchildren John Cashman, Caitlin Cashman, Heather Glidden and Shannon Cashman.Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 3 to 6 PM at St. George's Episcopal Church, 3 Emerson Street, Sanford. A Burial Office and Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be next week in St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Warwick, RI.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Alzheimer's Association, 383 US Route One Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.