Mary Brenda Bailey, 87, of Port Kent, N.Y., passed away on Feb. 7th, 2024, in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Mary was born in Tupper Lake, N.Y., to George and Vina Bailey on July 14th, 1936. She graduated from Fort Covington High School. At 16, Mary entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph convent and spent 16 years serving God and her community.

She became a teacher while serving and began to teach children in Jay, N.Y., and other local schools. Mary left the convent and became a full-time teacher at Peru Central School. After retiring from PCS District, she owned and operated Port Kent Campground for over 30 years, making memories for many families.

Mary never seemed to age and while out in her local community it was common for her to meet a former student who would always remember "Ms. Bailey," and then would proceed to tell her how much they loved her as a teacher.

Mary was community minded and a member of the AuSable Valley Central School District Board of Education for 18 years. She loved education and to see children grow and mature in life. She was active in the Catholic Community of Keeseville as a committee member, Lay Minister and religious education teacher. She never married but had many people that loved and cherished her company.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dan Bailey, F. Peter Bailey, and G. Arthur Bailey; sisters, Jean Dumas and Nancy Bailey; nephew, Jeffrey G. Bailey; and sister-in-law, Marie D. Bailey.

Mary is survived by her sister, Sandra Lee and Miles Dufrane; sister-in-law, Ewa Bailey with Jakub Szumski; nieces, Jennifer with May Marie Hanlon, Suzanne and Bret with Kyle, Ansley and Seth Leonhardt, and Sara and Jude Perkett with Ridge, Chasm and Catherine, Keene and Ledge Perkett.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Port Kent Campground, 93 Route 373, Port Kent, N.Y. A service will follow at 3:30 at the campground, lead by Rev. William G. Reamer. Committal prayers and burial will follow at 4:30 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Keeseville, N.Y.

Memorials may be given to The Catholic Community of Keeseville, AuSable Forks, N.Y.

The family of Mary wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Pine Harbor Assisted Living where Mary spent the last five years. The staff at PH treated her as family. Also, the nursing and staff at Champlain Valley Physicians Center for their dedication and help in Mary's care.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055. To make a floral purchase, offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Mary Bailey please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com