Obituary of Margaret M. Bailey

Margaret “Peggy” M. (Hartnett) Bailey, 86, of LaFayette, New York, (formerly of Syracuse) passed away peacefully on February 2 with family at her side. Peggy was born in July 1936, the daughter of Irish Immigrants, Patrick and Mary Ellen (Trait) Hartnett. Peggy was the loving wife of the late Douglas Backenstross, and after his passing, the late Philip Bailey.

As a loyal communicant of both St. Anthony's, and St. Joseph's Catholic Churches, Margaret practiced her strong faith in word, deed and sacrament. Her legacy was sharing the gift of her faith with those she held dear. She loved attending daily mass, and spent much of her time volunteering with the Legion of Mary, the St. Joseph’s Women’s Club, and as a Eucharist Minister. Well into her 80s, Peggy also supported Meals on Wheels, and the annual LaFayette Apple Festival-where the always smiling Peggy could be found serving apple fritters at the St. Joseph’s Booth.

Peggy met her dearest friends while working at Nationwide Insurance for more than 20 years. Affectionally referred to as “The Chit-Chatters” and “The Green Lips”, these friendships have lasted a lifetime and beyond. Peggy will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, witty sense of humor, devotion to family, and generous heart. She loved reading, knitting, playing cards, planning her next trip, and “shaking her wrists” to the music of Neil Diamond. But most of all, she cherished being in the company of her family and amazing friends. She would proudly travel the tri-state area to cheer on her "darling" grandchildren at sporting events, plays, concerts, and Irish Step and American Dance Competitions. Celebrating their Irish heritage was always a proud highlight for Peggy, especially during St. Patrick’s Day “Season.”

Margaret left this life the way she lived it: The “Totus-Tuus” way, and would often sign her letters with this Latin phrase meaning, “Totally Yours, All in God’s Hands.” Margaret is proudly survived by: her four children, Doug (Debbie) Bailey, of Fairport, Mark Bailey, of Tully, Colleen (Michael) Karmis, of Cazenovia, and Theresa (Patrick) Wygand, of Oyster Bay; as well as her greatest joys, her nine grandchildren: Matthew, Meghan, Lauren, Patrick, Grace, Michael, Patrick, Allison, and Kayla; two brothers, Francis (Judy) Hartnett and Thomas (the late Kathleen) Hartnett; two sisters, Helen (the late David) Broton, and Mary (the late William) Turner.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the attention and compassion that Peggy lovingly received at The Nottingham, and Crouse Community Center. To Billy, Martin, Suzy, Kathy, Anne and Tommy, we are ever grateful for your family’s devotion to Margaret and the love that you shared over the years. A special heartfelt thank you to MaryEllen Kramek and Sandy Dixon for their tender love and care during such a difficult time.

Calling hours will be held on Monday February 6, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, LaFayette. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday at 11 am at Our Lady of Hope/ the old St. James Church, S. Salina St., Syracuse. Burial will follow at Onondaga Valley Cemetery. 

Consider memorial donations in Peggy's name to: the Church of the Nativity at St. Joseph's in LaFayette, New York via their website at Online Giving or by mail to: St. Joseph's Church: 6104 US Rt. 20, LaFayette, NY 13084.

To send flowers for services, please use the link to the left. To light a memorial candle, or leave an online condolence for family, please visit Peggy's Tribute Wall.