Sylvia Elizabeth Bailey

MADISON - Sylvia E. Bailey, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, of COVID-19. She was born on Aug. 30, 1926, in Stoughton, Wis., the daughter of Henry B. and Karen (Helland) Gunderson. Sylvia moved with her family to Land O Lakes, Wis., when she was 10 years. Sylvia graduated from Eagle River High School and then moved to Madison to attend St. Mary's School of Nursing in the Cadet Nursing program. She met her future husband, John L. Bailey on a blind date and they married May 22, 1948, at Bethel Lutheran Church, in Madison. Sylvia worked the next 50 years in various positions including WPS as a nursing consultant, at UW Hospital’s first Cardiovascular Lab, as a Hospital Inspector in the Wisconsin Department of Health, and as a nurse coordinator in the Katie Beckett program. She squeezed in obtaining her Bachelor degree with work, childrearing and running a house long before online colleges. Sylvia loved her nursing profession in her quiet way. Sylvia loved gardening, growing flowers, vegetables along with a large raspberry garden. Her love of gardening had her volunteering at Olbrich Gardens for a few years. With retirement, she also "took up" quilting and made some beautiful pieces which she loved gifting to family and friends. Her greatest joy was her family. Sylvia is survived by her brother, David (Marcia) Gunderson; two sons, John (Julie) Bailey and Jerry (Ann) Bailey; two daughters, Judy (Jim) Vallier and Karen (Kevin) Anderson; 11 grandchildren, John Bailey, Matt Bailey, Jeff (Andrea) Bailey, Greg (Shannon) Bailey, Robyn Vallier, Katherine (Casey) Mathews, Katie (Tyler) Smith, Allie (Adam) Czuprynski, Scott (Kristen) Jacob, Mark (Maddie) Anderson and Erik Anderson; and 12 great-grandchildren. Sylvia was always happy to be with them and they LOVED being with her. So many happy holidays, sleepovers, baking days, “up north” adventures. Wonderful, loving memories. She will be dearly missed by us all. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, John L. Bailey. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Interment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. A special thank you to Sienna Crest/Meadows and AGrace HospiceCare- Green Team. Memorials may be gifted in Sylvia’s name to Agrace Hospice Care and American Lung Cancer Research. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420