Louise Bailey, 81, died on Dec. 22 at her home in Thetford Center, Vermont, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late William A. Bailey. She was born on June 4, 1929 in Newfane, Vermont, daughter of the late Wilbur S. and Maude A. (Russell) Whitaker. She married William Bailey on May 3, 1947 in Branford, and they lived for a time in Stony Creek, Guilford, and North Branford. In 1981 they moved to their home in Thetford Center, Vermont.

Louise was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She spent many hours helping the Madison branch grow and enjoyed her calling as librarian at the Hanover/Lebanon Ward in New Hampshire in later years. She also spent many hours baking goods and special chocolates for the church bake sales.

Louise was an excellent seamstress and quilter and also excelled at fine needlepoint, Christmas egg decorating, and other crafts. Louise and William’s hearts and their home were always open to families in need.

She is survived by three sons, Andrew Bailey of Thetford, Vermont, Alan Bailey of North Branford, and Steven Bailey of E. Corinth, Vermont; two daughters, June Chandler of East Charleston, Vermont, and Linda Bailey of Thetford Center, Vermont; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by six brothers, Charles Whitaker of Irasburg, Vermont, Kenneth Whitaker of Swanzey, New Hampshire, Howard Whitaker of North Hyde Park, Vermont, and Irving Needham of South Strafford, Vermont, and a sister, Josephine Engberg of Utah. She was predeceased by a daughter, Joanne Ballard; two brothers, Gerald Whitaker and Gene Needham; and two sisters, Geraldine Whitaker and Jeanie Whitemore.

Friends may call on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, Vermont, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lebanon, New Hampshire, at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, c/o Bishop Finlayson, 14 King Rd., Etna, NH 03750, or to the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Research, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.