Bernice Audrey Bailey

Bernice Audrey Bailey, 87, of Lewistown, passed away at 4:25 a.m., Monday, October 7, 2024, at Greenwood Village.

Born April 9, 1937, in Mattawana, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd C. “Dutch” and Grace M. (Boaz) Fagan.

In addition to her natural parents, Bernice was preceded in death by Vina and Bruce Dorman, who raised her on their farm in Decatur Township and loved her as their own; husband, Charles E. Bailey, to whom she was married for 66 years before his passing on July 5, 2022; precious daughter, Virginia L. (Bailey) Watt; and infant brother, Lloyd C. Fagan.

Bernice is survived by: son-in-law, Darrell L. Watt, of Lewistown; granddaughter, Britney Baumgardner and husband, Willie; great-grandson, Colton Baumgardner; sister, Anna L. Shirey and husband, Charles N., of McClure; two nieces and a nephew; and 15 great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.

She attended Ellen Chapel and Centre Union Churches in Lewistown.

Bernice was employed by the Borough of Lewistown for 32 years in multiple positions before retiring in 1999.  She worked as a dispatcher for the police department, as a matron at the jail, and in the sewer and refuse and recycling departments.  She served for many years as Union Secretary for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 213, and assisted in presenting seminars for Local 213 and the Borough police department.  After retirement, she cleaned various offices within the Borough.

Bernice was a Girl Scout leader for 28 years and volunteered as a crossing guard at the former Buchanan Elementary School.  She was a life member of City Hook and Ladder Company and the Lewistown Women of the Moose, Chapter 212.

A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Juniata Memorial Park, 9010 US Highway 522 South, Lewistown, with Pastor Kurtis Swisher officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bernice’s memory may be made to Rescue Our Furry Friends (ROFF), PO Box 6, Lewistown, PA 17044-0006.

Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, Lewistown, is in charge of arrangements.

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