Stella Bailey

Stella Bailey was a unique lady, facing many hardships in her lifetime with an optimism and strength of character that was admired by those who knew her. She was hospitable and generous, going out of her way to make others feel important and comfortable. Always willing to lend a hand to anyone no matter what, she went above and beyond when she saw a need. Whether someone was sick and needed care or was just looking for an encouraging word, Stella was there.

In the spring of 1915, Paul and Kathryn (Haiduk) Grybos were anticipating the arrival of their very first baby. Little Stella arrived on May 27, 1915, in Enfield, Connecticut , and traveled with her family to their farms in Quincy and Litchfield. As the family grew, Stella would eventually help care for her five siblings. All of them had to learn to share, to sacrifice for the sake of others, and to pitch in wherever help was needed. As the oldest, Stella was given a lot of responsibility. Stella attended Battle Creek Schools through the tenth grade, then found a job keeping house to help support the family. The Great Depression was in full swing and times were tough.

Stella later moved to Kalamazoo and found a job at Hearty Hamburgs. There she met a man named Gordon Webster and fell in love. They were married in 1938 and had three wonderful children together, making their home in Kalamazoo . Gordon supported the family by working as a truck driver. Stella felt fortunate to find work as a press operator at the International Paper Company where she remained until she retired at the age of sixty-five. A faithful employee, she understood what it meant to work hard and knew the satisfaction of a job well done. Stella took great joy in Herman, Kay, and Sue. She loved doing little things for them that showed them how much she cared. She was a wonderful seamstress, making many of their clothes and even teddy bears and purses. Her cooking was fantastic and she was able to make many Polish dishes that she had learned from her mother. At Christmastime, the dining room was filled to bursting with over thirty different treats, including salted nuts, fudge, and every type of cookie one could hope for.

Stella had her hands full, maintaining the home and working days. Gordon worked nights, so family time was precious to them. During the summer, their family took vacations. One summer they made a memorable trek to California where they visited several National Parks and Disneyland along with enjoying the varied American landscape. Sadly, after twenty-nine years of marriage, Stella lost Gordon. She took great comfort in her children and, as always, took what life gave her with optimism and determination.

Stella met a man named Norman Bailey at the paper company. They enjoyed one another's company and began spending time together outside of work. At first they tried to keep their relationship a secret from their co-workers, but eventually it became evident to all that they were seeing each other. In 1969, the two were wed. Norm had three children of his own and Stella was pleased to double the size of her family.

Stella and Norm traveled frequently, including visits to Florida , Hawaii and Canada . Stella also enjoyed two trips to Las Vegas , the most recent last year, with her daughter Sue and son-in-law Bill, and was thrilled to see Wayne Newton in person. Stella and Norm spent every summer at their cabin in Elk Rapids, enjoying the fresh air and crystal clear lakes of northern Michigan . They both enjoyed fishing and Stella cooked it up fresh and flaky. They often went to the Cherry Festival in Traverse City and liked going to casinos, Stella for bingo and slot machines and Norm for the slot machines. Many times they just relaxed and enjoyed the out-of-doors, feeding the swans, going out to eat, shopping a little, working on a jigsaw puzzle, and just talking. Nothing could compare to the beauty of the fall leaves covering those gently rolling hills. Stella cherished many of those memories as she once again faced another heartache when Norm died in 1998.

Again, Stella sought solace in her family. She adored her grandchildren and loved their bright smiles and funny stories. She was able to see them often and always kept up with events in their lives. Later, when great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren arrived, her love continued to grow and envelop each one.

Stella loved being with people and her social calendar filled up quickly. She was very active in her church, serving as a member at St. Mary's for over sixty-five years. She participated in several bowling leagues and was a member of the "Golden Girls Club," a group of ladies that got together to visit and play cards. She always remembered people's names and countless details about them. She made everyone feel welcome when they visited whether they were expected or not, whipping up something tasty to eat and sincerely asking how things were going for them. She was truly an example of a woman who put others first, leaving for her loved ones a legacy of selflessness, strength, and love.

Stella died Friday, September 23, 2005, at Borgess-Pipp Hospital . She was preceded in death by her first husband, H. Gordon Webster; her second husband, Norman Bailey; a son, Herman G. Webster; a daughter, Katherine "Kay" Cavey; brothers, Edward Grybos and Seweryn "Junior" Lebiecki; and by a sister, Cora Sellon. Surviving members of Stella's family include her daughters, Sue Webster (William Pielemeier) of Ypsilanti and Barbara (Ralph) Soliday of Kalamazoo; sons, Norm (Donna) Bailey of Englewood, Florida, Lloyd Bailey of Portage, and Michael Cavey of Kalamazoo; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, "Zig" (Irene) Lebiecki of Kalamazoo; sister-in-law, Ruth Lebiecki of Kalamazoo; sister, Donna Domack of Jonesville; many nieces and nephews; and dear friend Mary Pillars.

Learn more about Stella, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Monday, September 26, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, Stadium Drive (West of US-131). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September 27, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery . Food and fellowship will follow at the Fr. Bart Hall. Please visit Stella's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Catholic Family Services.