CAMDEN – Isabel Frances (Payson) Bailey, or “Dee” as she was known by friends, died Saturday, September 21, 2019.  Born November 16, 1925, in Camden, Maine, she was the daughter of Maurice E. and Fannie J (Currie) Payson. She attended Camden schools and graduated as Valedictorian from Camden High School in 1943. She then attended Becker Junior College in Wooster, MA, graduating in 1946. 

After college, she was employed by Aser Bartlett Press, in Wooster, until 1948. While vacationing with mutual friends in New Brunswick, Canada, she met Archibald Kenneth Bailey and fell in love while riding in a rumble seat of a Model A Ford. Archie was an air traffic controller in Moncton, NB. They married on November 11, 1948 and lived in Moncton until 1951 when they moved to Camden. 

While living in Moncton, their first son, Kenneth Edward Bailey, was born in October of 1949.  When they moved to Camden, they acquired the George Bird Shoe Company changing the name to Hodgman’s Footwear.  

Their second son, Robert Alan Bailey, was born in February of 1954. They operated Hodgman’s until they sold it to their son Ken when they retired. Isabel also owned and operated Harbor Realty, in Camden, for several years in the late 1970s.  

Isabel was a very active member of the Camden Civic Theater and performed in several plays and musicals. She was a charter member of the Camden Jr. Women’s Club. She enjoyed button collecting, carrying on the tradition begun by her mother, Fannie. 

Isabel is survived by one son, Robert Bailey and his wife, Ronda, of Kent, WA; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Bailey, of Rockport, ME; a brother, Maurice Payson Jr. and his wife, Marjorie, of Rockville, ME; three grandchildren, Aaron Bailey and his wife Jessica, of Brunswick, ME, Michelle Ridlon and her husband, Todd, of Topsham, ME, and Jessica Clements and her husband, Drew, of Maple Valley, WA; great-grandchildren, Madison, Gavin and Tripp Bailey, and Zackary and Griffin Ridlon; nephew, Michael Payson and his wife, Anita, and niece Marilyn Payson, all of Rockville; and three great-nephews.  

Isabel was predeceased by her husband, Archibald K. Bailey, son, Kenneth Bailey, and brother, Burnett Payson who died in WWII.  

Calling hours will be held Friday, October 4, from 5 - 7 p.m., at Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain St, Camden.  

Internment will be held at a later date at Mountain View Cemetery in Camden.  

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Camden Area District Nursing Association, 30 Community Drive, Camden, ME  04843.  

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be shared with the Bailey family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.  

A special thank you to the staff at Quarry Hill for the wonderful care they provided.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.