Caroline Bailey

Although she had a love for traveling, Caroline Bailey was happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones. She was a devoted wife and mother who considered the tremendous amount of work that each role requires to be both her highest calling and her greatest blessing. Caroline possessed an abiding faith that was a cornerstone throughout her life. Like the majestic splendor contained within one of her prized roses, she was a woman of unmatched beauty on the inside as well as the outside. Caroline was an intelligent, fun-loving, and compassionate woman who leaves behind lessons in grace and humility that will live on in the lives of those she leaves behind.

If one could step back into the year 1914, life would look quite different in America. The average annual salary was just $750, education took second place to hunger as only one-third of America’s youth enrolled in elementary school, and less than 10 percent of those students ever graduated from high school. It was on August 12th of that year that Peter and Gertrude (Poczik) Hess welcomed the birth of their daughter, Caroline Mary. Caroline was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and became an older sister to her brother, Bernard. While she was still quite young, her family moved to Grand Rapids where her father supported his family as a core man at Keeler Brass while her mother was a homemaker. Once in Grand Rapids, Caroline was raised in the family home on Lafayette and attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School through the eighth grade. Her family were also members of St. Alphonsus Church where she learned the fundamentals of the faith she embraced throughout her life. As a young girl, Caroline enjoyed visiting her cousins in Kent City, and her family also shared many summer weekends together at various Lake Michigan beaches.

After graduating from Creston High School in 1932, Caroline was excited to see what life had in store. She met a man named Martin Butler whom she married in 1936. They were later blessed with the births of two sons: David, in 1938 and James, in 1941. During WWII Caroline got a job at American Seating where she eventually worked her way up in the engineering department, securing a position as a draftsman. She worked there for 20 years before retiring. Although her marriage to Martin ended in divorce in 1946, she was forever grateful for the two sons they were given to love.

Over the next several years Caroline was quite busy between working and raising her two boys. Life turned a different corner for Caroline when she met Frederick Bailey through mutual friends. They began dating and were married eight months later on November 22, 1952. Caroline and Frederick later celebrated the birth of their son, Frederick, Jr., who was born when her older boys were 14 and 11 years old. Their family initially lived in an apartment on Scribner Avenue until they built a home on Wells Street in 1954 where Caroline remained throughout much of her life. Together they enjoyed numerous vacations, often camping in Grand Haven along the same Lake Michigan shoreline Caroline enjoyed with her family as a young girl. At first, their camping adventures took place in a tent, but they later graduated to a pop-up trailer and a bit later, a motor home.

There were so many interests that Caroline enjoyed throughout her life. She loved to grow roses, specifically tea roses. Caroline had over 200 rose bushes and even earned the title “Queen of the Show” on two separate occasions at local rose shows held at the public museum and Woodland Mall. Caroline was also a member of the Kent County Rosarians. She loved to take ceramics classes where she made countless gifts for her family and friends. Caroline collected stamps of many kinds and antique glassware as well. She enjoyed reading both history and fictional novels, and she loved watching old television shows including Dallas and Falcon Crest. Additionally, Caroline was a devout member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church.

It was easy to see that one of Caroline’s favorite ways to spend her time was with her family whether it was as a large group or just with Fred. She was a wonderful cook who made numerous special holiday dinners, which often included her specialty – leg of lamb. Caroline also made mouth-watering soups and pecan pies. Her meals often included the fresh produce she grew in her vegetable garden, and she even did some canning. Caroline picked fresh blueberries, strawberries, and cherries that she and Fred froze to use later. She and Fred traveled in the motor home to all of the 48 contiguous United States, and they also visited Alaska and Hawaii. Their travels even took them to Europe, Russia, Greece, and Mexico, just to name a few. Caroline and Fred also spent their winters in Treasure Island, Florida for over 20 years. She loved her grandchildren dearly and always looked forward to spending time with them.

As the years passed by, Caroline struggled with some health issues. During the nineties she developed colon cancer for which she had surgery and was able to make a full recovery. Eventually in later years, Caroline needed more care than Fred could provide so she entered the assisted living facility at Northview Manor. She later moved to the Christian Rest Home where she drew her last breath.

With so much love to give, Caroline Bailey brightened the days of so many within her reach. She loved treating her loved ones to home-cooked meals as an outpouring of her tender heart. Caroline was a friend to all who knew her and loved spending times with those who shared similar interests. She lived a fulfilling life rich with memories she created with those who will miss her so dearly. Caroline will be lovingly remembered.

Caroline M. Bailey of Grand Rapids died on Tuesday morning, January 12, 2010. Caroline’s family includes her husband of 57 years, Frederick Bailey; her children; James E. (Marty) Butler, Frederick Jr. (Debbie) Bailey; her grandchildren, Ryan (April) Butler, Brandon Bailey; her sisters-in-law, Connie Hess, Ruth Bailey; nieces, nephews and many friends. Caroline was preceded in death by her son, David M. Butler. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 Four Mile Rd. NE. (please meet at the church). Burial in Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the Christian Rest Home.