Joanne R. Bailey

Rochester, NY October 9, 1945 – May 28, 2026 Age 80

Joanne R. Bailey (Ange), a beautiful, gentle soul who filled the world with music, warmth, and love, peacefully passed away at the age of 80 on May 28, 2026, in Rochester, New York. As a longtime resident of the area, Joanne leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will forever echo into the hearts of those who knew her.

A Life of Nurturing and Song

Born in Rochester, New York, at St. Mary's Hospital on October 9, 1945, Joanne was the cherished daughter of Joseph and Madeline Ange. She carried fond memories of her childhood close to her heart, deeply loving the time she spent surrounded by family while growing up in Honeoye Falls, NY.

Following her graduation from East High School in 1961, life tested her early. Becoming a mother at 17 while facing illness for the first years was a heavy burden to bear, but Joanne embraced her family with a fierce, gentle devotion that turned hardship into a beautiful foundation of love, strength, and dedication to her family.

Joanne had a natural gift for nurturing others, which she beautifully transitioned into her career. For 26 wonderful years, she brought smiles and comfort to countless staff and students across the Rochester City School District, cooking delicious meals at the Central Kitchen and various schools throughout the district. Cooking was truly one of her love languages; nothing brought her greater joy than gathering her family around the table to celebrate every happy moment together.

But if cooking nourished the body, singing fed Joanne's soul. Her lifelong love of music began early on in the choir at St. Philip Neri. In 1995, she brought her beautiful voice to the broader community, joining her first a cappella chorus and singing with The Alpha Chords, Image City Sound, and several other musical groups.

Joanne simply loved people. She possessed a rare, magical ability to connect with anyone, effortlessly making even a stranger feel deeply valued and happy to be alive. She truly thrived when she was building others up, especially her children and grandchildren. An unwavering believer in counting every blessing and "going with the flow," Joanne was our heart, our rock, and our greatest fan. Her beautiful spirit will live on forever in our smiles, our joy, cooking and dancing in our kitchens, on the dance floor, and in the garden.

Joanne's bright light will be carried on by her beloved husband, Ron Wilson of Rochester; her sons, James Joseph Bailey and Joseph Michael Bailey III; her devoted daughter, Christine Bailey-Clar and her husband Keith M. Clar; and her dear stepdaughter, Kelly Wilson/Rodriguez. She was also the world's proudest grandmother to Michael, Patricia, Alana, Joseph, and Gia, all of whom she adored beyond measure.

To honor Joanne's beautiful life and journey home, family and friends are invited to gather for the following services:

We invite you to join us for her Funeral Mass on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10 am at St. Paul of the Cross Church in Honeoye Falls, the most Rev. Michael Fowler celebrant. A luncheon to celebrate Joanne will follow in the Parish Hall. Joanne brought so much vibrant joy to our lives, and her absolute favorite colors were blue and purple. Please join us in honoring her beautiful spirit by wearing these colors to her service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food cupboard in Joanne's memory.

"When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind."