Judith Beatrice Bailey, 85, of Burlington, Vt., passed away quietly at home on September 7, 2026, with Mare and “Pinky” at her side.
Jude was born at Bishop DeGoesbriand in Burlington on October 22, 1940, to Thomas Fred Bailey and Beatrice Grow Bailey. She attended Essex Junction schools, graduating high school in 1958, and then went on to attend college courses through her military career.
Employment included working at Fanny Allen Hospital as a lab technician and then as an EMT with Richmond Rescue. In recent years, her rescues were of the cat and squirrel kind.
Jude’s proudest accomplishment was serving in the U.S. Air National Guard for 25 years, including active duty during Desert Storm. Jude was most proud of retiring as a senior master sergeant, as not many women made it to this rank. If you ever wondered why Jude only wore blue, painted her walls blue and drove a blue car … now you know why: the U.S. Air Force!
Jude loved her God and her church. She loved to sing and was in the church choir and the Champlain Echoes. She was an incredible poet and was chosen as the prayer captain for her church, writing the most beautiful prayers. She was a Stephen’s minister and helped others struggle through life’s obstacles. She was an avid bowler, a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, photographer … and much more. She may have been quiet on the outside, but she was a fierce and bold woman.
Judith was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Fred Bailey and Beatrice Grow Bailey; sisters Gloria Davis, Janice Bailey, Joyce Bailey (Jude’s twin) and Cheryl Antonevich; brothers-in-law Robert C. Jones and Don Antonevich; and great-nephew, Steve Jones.
Judith is survived by her best and crazy friend of 40-plus years, Mary Perry; sister Janet Jean Jones; brother, Thomas Cady Bailey (Patricia) (Jim Farrington and Jodi Lane) (Emma and Henry Farrington); Karen and Jim McAbee (Kailah and Leah Kruger); and brother-in-law Richard Davis. Her nieces and nephews include Amy Forde (son Aidan), Paula Antonevich, Heidi Wolne (daughter Chloe), James Robert Jones (Marilee) (Chiara and Sam), and Mark William Jones (Carol Ann) and children (William Jones, Mary Ritchie [David], Caden, Maki, Colin, Zoey and Ellie).
Judith’s family would like to thank Dr. Melissa Brandes, Dr. Cheung Wong, Dr. Elise Everett and all the nurses at the University of Vermont Medical Center, including hospice workers Haley, Chelsea, Ezra, Mara and others who came to Jude’s aid. A special thanks to Pastor Kerry Cameron and First United Methodist Church and its members.
To all those friends and families who showed up for visits with food, cards, hugs, support, a laugh or cry: We can’t say thank you enough. You helped us get through the most difficult time of our lives. If Jude were here, she might say, “Next time you visit, please bring nuts, because Mare might forget to feed my furry friends!”
Funeral services are provided by Corbin and Palmer and will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 23 Buell St., Burlington, VT, with burial to follow in Fair View Cemetery in Essex Junction. For those who wish to come by Zoom: Please call the First UMC office at 802-862-1151 and request a Zoom link.
Gifts in Jude’s memory may be made to First United Methodist Church, 21 Buell St., Burlington, VT 05401; or to Petit Brook Veterinary Clinic, 5866 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester, VT 05446.