Donna J Bailey

September 19, 1941 - January 14, 2021

Donna J. Bailey, 79, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. Born on September 19, 1941 in Syracuse, NY, she was the daughter of the late Donald J. and Helen M. (Montgomery) Straus. Donna graduated from Coxsackie - Athens Central High School in 1959. Throughout her adult life, she held a variety of jobs, sometimes 2 or 3 just to support her girls as a single mom, but ultimately ended up working for NYS Division for Youth where she brought runaways back home to New York. Following her retirement in June 1996, she enjoyed spending time with her husband, grandchildren and great grandchildren living leisurely on Cossayuna Lake. Donna also enjoyed crocheting and was proud to be a Deacon of the Lakeville Baptist Church. Besides her parents, she is predeceased by the love of her life for 32 years, Charles Bailey. Survivors include her daughters, Bonnie Bass (Gilson) of Greenwich, Jacquie Stacey of Hudson Falls, Bonnie Besson (Chris) of Schenectady, Lisa Bailey (Tom) of Cossayuna; her sister, Jacqueline Kennedy (Matthew) of Coxsackie; her granddaughters, Jennifer White, Kayte Lieberum and Bailey Bain; her grandsons, Sean Trackey and Zachary Stacey; her great granddaughter; Alyssa White; her great grandson, Charles Trackey; as well as her niece and nephews - “the Coxsackie Crew” - who she loved dearly. Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Spring burial will take place at the Cossayuna Lake Cemetery. On Saturday, January 23, 2021 the family will have a reception at the Cossayuna Fire Department, on East Lake Rd, at noon. Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 5-7 pm at the Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Rd, Queensbury. Donna’s family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the angels who work at the Schenectady Center, who cared for their mom as if she were a part of their own families. Mere words cannot express how much their love and devotion meant to her and to all of us. God bless you all. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor her memory may make donations to the Lakeville Baptist Church, PO Box 76, Cossayuna, NY 12823 to light up Charlie’s Cross on top of the church. “But just think of stepping on shore – and finding it Heaven! Of touching a hand – and finding it God’s! Of breathing new air – and finding it celestial! Of waking up in glory – and finding it home!”