She was born in Bath on April 5, 1918, a daughter of Clare Bert and Margaret (Scales) Nickerson.
She graduated from Morse High School in the class of 1936 and was active in sports and club functions. Barbara was voted as one of the most popular girls in her class. She was elected to National Honor Society her junior and senior years, a member of the YMCA since 1962, Sage Swingers Dance Club in Brunswick and Club 42 in Bath.
After graduation she was employed at W.P.A. in Portland, Bath Iron Works as a secretary in the Production Department for 7 years and part time at A & P Store in Bath when her children were growing up.
She traveled to Hawaii, Spain, Portugal and California but her favorite place was Barbados where she went for many years, enjoying the wonderful warm weather and beaches. Family gatherings at the Small’s Cottage at Popham Beach was the Hi Lite of Summer, shopping and going to fairs with daughter Sally, weekly luncheons with friends were something she looked forward to. Nothing could compare to Barbara’s love of swimming at the “Y” which she did for 50 years. The lifeguards were especially nice. Diane, head of the pool was a special friend, so kind and considerate. She made sure of her safety and was always there for her.
Helping friends with memory loss was an important factor in Barbara’s life. For years she did everything to make them happy right until her death. Barbara got many nice compliments. “I want to be just like you when I get older,” said Beverly, the pie lady. “You’re an inspiration to still be swimming at your age,” said the swim group at the “Y” Locker Room. Barbara’s philosophy of life was live every moment, laugh every day and love beyond words. She will be missed by a large circle of friends whom she endeared herself.
She was predeceased by her husband, L. Blair Bailey in September of 1990; two sisters, Polly Perrault and Mary Carey; and one brother, Clifton Nickerson.
She is survived by three sons, Leigh B. Bailey of Wells, Dean S. Bailey and his wife Mary Small of Bath and Alan N. Bailey of Woolwich; one daughter, Sally J. Blake and her husband Charles of Bath; special nephew, Tom Carey of Enfield, CT; grandchildren, Jessica, Margaret, Kathleen, Sara and Jonathan; one g re at – g randdaughter, adorable, Lily Hannah Bachmann, and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to all her doctors who took excellent care of her over the years. To Dr. Ira Bird and his staff for their kindness, Barbara made many visits and they were always so pleasant and helpful. To Pastor Bill Bliss for his spiritual blessings.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at Riverside Cemetery in Woolwich.
A gathering of family and friends will follow at the Bath Area YMCA, 303 Centre St., Bath. Enjoy — Shed no tears because I’ll be looking down at you with all my love — Barbara.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bath Area YMCA, Handicapped Children, 303 Centre St., Bath, 04530 or the Salvation Army, 25 Congress Ave., Bath, 04530.
Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High St., Bath. Condolences may be made online at www.DaigleFuneralHome.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
