Shirley Bailey, 81, of Old Saybrook passed away on July 10. Born on Aug. 8, 1940, in New Britain, Shirley attended New Britain High School. Upon graduation in 1958, Shirley attended Becker Junior College in Massachusetts. She later moved to Long Beach, California, to work as an executive secretary for Douglas Aircraft Company. In 1963, Shirley married the late Robert E. Bailey, Jr., moved to Victor, New York, and had three children.

Shirley was the co-owner of Act II, a consignment shop in Victor, New York. For many years Shirley served on the Victor Central School District Board of Education, helping disabled children make their lives earlier. She always loved watching sports, particularly tennis.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Dorothy Brown of New Britain; her eldest sister, Hilda Fumar and brother-in-law, Joseph Fumar, of Hawaii; and nephew, Wayne Dabbs, of Rocky Hill.

Shirley leaves a sister, Dorothy Dabbs of Old Saybrook; a daughter, Deborah Bailey of Old Saybrook; a son Christopher Bailey and his wife Christine of Collinsville; son Eric Bailey and his wife Amy of Berwyn, IL; grandson Connor Bailey of Wallingford; grandson Nathan Bailey of Windsor; granddaughter Madeleine Arias of Orlando, IL; and granddaughter Grace Arias of Berwyn, IL; along with several nieces and a nephew.

There are no funeral services, and the burial will be private with the family.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation in remembrance of Shirley Bailey to the Connecticut K-9 education Center, 239 Maple Hill Ave., Newington, CT 0111, or Global Sanctuary for Elephants, PO Box 2426 Brentwood, TN 37024, because of her love for animals.