BAYLEY, VIRGINIA KATHRIN
1922 – 2015
In the midst of the love of her family, the death of Virginia Kathrin Bayley of Fredericton, NB occurred on Wednesday, August 12th, 2015 at Parkland Shannex (Thomas Hall). Born in Moncton, NB on March 3rd, 1922, Virginia was the daughter of the Late J. Clyde and Mary K. (Steeves) Stevens and wife of the Late Robert C. Bayley.
Following graduation from Moncton High School, Virginia attended Acadia University. She graduated as an X-Ray Technician from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Saint John. Growing up in an extended family where making music was a way of life she was especially suited to marry New Brunswick organist and composer “Robin” Bayley. She was a dedicated member of the choir in the churches where he served. Virginia was happiest joining him in music making and supporting his work. The children of more than one of “Robin’s” students were entertained by Virginia during their parent’s piano or voice lessons. The consummate “people person”, Virginia’s interest in the lives of others and innate ability to make people feel comfortable and valued ensured that she had no shortage of friends.
Virginia was an active member of the Brunswick Street Baptist Church. She faithfully attended worship services and in earlier years was a member of the church choir and Get Together Club. Late in her 80’s a highlight of her week was attending choir practice to listen to the progress of “her choir” and, with her faultless sense of humour, bringing a smile and encouragement to singers and director alike. Virginia’s life was undergirded and guided by a deep faith in God and a desire to serve Him and be a blessing to others.
Virginia is survived by her son, Jonathan (Janet) of Windsor, ON and daughter, Mary-Eloise (Michael) Noak of Finchampstead, Berkshire, UK. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Erika (Douglas) Westall and children, Madeline, Jack, Mason and Nicole of French Lake, NB; Jonathan (Alice) Warnhammar and children, Levi and Cody of Bracknell, Berkshire, UK; Alexandra Noak of Finchampstead, Berkshire, UK; and step-grandchildren, Martyn (Sarah) Noak and children, Timothy and Abigail of Ashstead, Surrey, UK; and Margaret (John) Symes and children, Natasha, Matthew and Christopher of Port Slade, East Sussex, UK. Virginia is also survived by her cousins, Margaret (Richard) Allen of Fredericton, NB, Norma (Jim) Morton of Montreal, PQ and special friends, Ron and Sandra McMullin of Fredericton, NB.
In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was predeceased by a baby brother, Boyd.
A special debt of gratitude to the Parkland Shannex (Fredericton) community, who loved and cared for our mother – especially to the exemplary care team at Thomas Hall, who walked this journey with us. Your professionalism, compassion and love were our great support.
The family will receive visitors at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Friday, August 14th, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A celebration of Virginia’s life and faith will be held at Brunswick Street Baptist Church at 11 am on Saturday, August 15th, 2015 with Rev. Greg Geldart and Rev. Dr. Terry Atkinson officiating. Following a reception, interment will take place in the Forest Hill Cemetery.
For those who wish, donations in memory of Virginia may be made to Brunswick Street Baptist Church (Building Fund or Benevolent Fund) or to The Gideons.
Personal condolences can be made at www.mcadamsfh.com.
Her children arise and call her blessed…
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31: 28a, 30