Joan Marie Bailey
October 14, 1952 - December 18, 2018
Obituary
MADISON/SHULLSBURG - Joan Marie Bailey, age 66, of Madison, passed away peacefully with her sister by her side on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg. She was born on Oct. 14, 1952, in Shullsburg, the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Wacholtz) Gile. Joan grew up there and graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1970. She moved to Madison after graduation where she met and married William Bailey on June 7, 1974. They spent many years together, but were later divorced. Her partner for the past ten years was Steve Powell. Joan worked in the health care field for most of her life, and, for the 26 years before she retired, was the Manager of the Non-Invasive Cardiology Unit at UW-Hospitals. Joan enjoyed shopping trips with her sisters, dining out with family and friends, community festivals, traveling, especially trips to Las Vegas, but the biggest joy of her life was being with family. Holiday get togethers, especially Christmas, were her favorite times of the year and she relished hosting the festivities. She will always be remembered as a loving, supportive, and generous daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Joan also loved animals, especially dogs, and always had at least one over the years. Early morning walks with them in the dog parks were a favorite pastime. Her love of dogs made her a strong supporter of numerous humane societies and rescue organizations. Joan is survived by her sisters, Jane (Jeff) Furst and Chris (Jeff) Johnson; brother, Robert Gile; sister-in-law, Jill Gile; nieces, Amy (Mike) Schroeder and children, Emily and Evan, Sarah (Sven) Mueller and children, Freddy and Andy, and Greta (Dee Dee) Gile and child, Addy; nephews, Nathan (Tara) Furst and children, Nick and London, Shaun Johnson and child, Bentley, Brandon (Nicole) Johnson and children, Layton and Arabella, and Eric (Jessica) Gile; and partner, Steve Powell. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Gile; her mother, Margaret Gile McCoy; her step-father, Del McCoy; and her brother, Donald Gile. Per Joan's wishes, no services will be held. A private burial will take place at a later date in St. Matthew's Cemetery, Shullsburg. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or One Starfish Rehoming Connections (a canine rescue group), P.O. Box 404, Columbus, WI 53925. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care and support.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
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Memories
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MarilynBird
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Joan was a beautiful lady. She had a personality that was very warm and inviting. She was easy to talk to and very likable. Dan and I send our prayers to Joan's family. With our deepest sympathy and condolences sent out extra to Chris, Jeff, Shaun, Brandon and families. ♡☦
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Diane Olson
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My deepest condolences to the family of Joan-Gile Bailey. I met Joan some time in the early 60’s, I was one of the so called “Public’s” as I attended the public schooll And Joan attended St.Matthew’s Catholic school. As our schools were merged and the parochial kids came to the public school we became really good friends. Together we shared Darlington dances, shopping trips, Trips to Platteville to see my boyfriend, and I was invited to Morher Margaret’s birthday party. We went our separate ways yet remained friends enjoying each other’s Christmas letters, class reunions and lunches. Her laughter and zest for life will always be how I remember my dear friend Joan. No more pain, no more suffering, Rest In Peace your life on earth is over and your eternal journey begins. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN! All My Love, Diane Olson
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Elizabeth cameron
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JOAN, why didn’t you tell me you were leaving so soon? You were the funniest girl in the class of 1970. We spent many nights at one another’s houses and were dropped by The Populars at the same times Isn’t it amazing that we did so well in our booby hatch lives?! I love you and miss you already, BETH
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Margaret Spatola
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Working with Joan in Cardiology was a high light of the day. She was a wonderful friend. Every time I see my water color paintings hanging of Montreal on the wall, I think of Joan and I at a meeting in Montreal. She was a loyal friend and wonderful person. Rest In Peace my friend.
BG
Becky Greunke
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So many memories, from working together for 25 years, dinners and lunches out , and an integral part of my kids and family during difficult times. There are not words to express the empty place her passing leaves with so many with such an untimely loss, Condolences to the family. Joan, you will never be forgotten. Love, Becca
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Kay Leahy Alexander
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Sending my deepest sympathies to Joan’s siblings, Jane, Chris, and Robert and their families. Joan will be very much missed! We were great friends all of lives. We spent many hours in Shullsburg together growing up. As adults we kept in touch often. She was a kind, generous, fun loving person. In her gestures of kindness, after my father passed she became a monthly “pen pal” and phone pal to my elderly Mother. Oh how my Mother enjoyed their visits! Everyone who knew Joan knows she had the greatest laugh. Even though Joan faced many physical challenges I never heard her complain or feel sorry for herself. She would always focus on what was happening in my families lives. I know she is now at peace and free of her physical pain. May she Rest In Peace ! I will keep her in my prayers!❤️🙏