Charlene Bailey

Charlene Marie (Panier) Bailey, 77, of Ottawa passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at her home, with her devoted husband at her side.

Charlene was born on June 13th, 1947, in Ottawa, IL to Alfred “Boy” and Marie (Vittone) Panier.  She entered the world, a package deal, with her twin sister, and partner in crime, Marlene.  They were welcomed into the world by their big sister, Mary Jo.  Their happy family was complete.

Charlene grew up in Ottawa and attended St. Francis grade school, graduated from Marquette High School in the class of 1965, and attended Lasalle-Peru-Oglesby Junior College (LPO), now known as IVCC, receiving her Associates degree.

On August 5, 1967, Charlene was crowned Miss Ottawa at the Ottawa Beauty Pageant.  The honor earned her a trip to compete in the Miss Illinois pageant.  She also won “Miss Congeniality” that evening, awarded to the contestant that is friendly, portrays kindness, positivity, and has a good personality.  That award summed up the essence of Charlene…beautiful inside and out.

Charlene married the love of her life, James W. “Jim” Bailey on June 19, 1968, in Aurora, IL.  They were inseparable and spent 61 happy years together, married for 55 of those.  They created a happy home and raised their two sons, Tim & Jimmy.

Years later, Charlene was able to do it all over again as grandma.  Tim’s son, “her baby boy”, Casey Dylan and daughter, “her sweet little Jaz-ma-tazz”, Jasmin Sierra came first.  Then came Jimmy’s boys. The other “twinners”, Dillen and Damon who affectionately called her “Witchy”.  These four brought her endless happiness and she adored them.  They all were a great source of pride for her and filled her heart.

Charlene was a loving, proud, and fiercely dedicated mother and grandmother.  She stressed academics in her home and was very hands on when it came to educating her boys.  Some of her proudest days were traveling all over, with Jim, to watch their kids play sports (Basketball was, by far, her absolute favorite), and was a superfan for her two sons, and then grandchildren, and provided many years of endless support and love, that continued on throughout their lives. Her giant blue megaphone and cheers of “PMA” (positive mental attitude), bouncing off gymnasium walls, all over the Midwest, are still fondly remembered, to this day.  She knew every team, in and out, including stats, teammates, opponents, you name it.  She was the definition of a mother’s love…pure, patient, forgiving, and unconditional.  She was very proud of her family.

Charlene loved reading, writing, had many hobbies, and had a passion for learning, and for Bob Seger.  People who knew her will miss her fun-loving spirit and her infectious laugh.  She was a walking contradiction, in that while trying her best to avoid attention, she was someone who people gravitated to, because they knew that’s where the fun would be. She always had time for people and was generous to a fault. To this day, people talk about her kindness and compassion for others and how big her heart was.  She always found the good in people and was quick to point it out.  All who knew her, no matter when or for how long were touched by her selflessness and humility.

Charlene also had a lifelong passion for animals, and that love and dedication, along with her friend Mary Driscoll, led to the founding of the Pet Project no kill animal shelter in 1993, which has saved the lives of and found forever homes for thousands of pets.

She is survived by her husband, James Bailey; sons, Timothy (Natasha Dahl) Bailey and James (Laura) Bailey, both of Ottawa, IL;  her twin sister, Marlene (Panier) Stechman of Deepwater, MO;  nephew, Bradley (Victoria) Bohler of Ottawa, IL;  niece, Shelby Wells, of Deepwater, MO; grandson, Casey Bailey, Ottawa, IL; granddaughter, Jasmin Bailey, Ottawa, IL; grandson, Dillen Bailey, Ottawa, IL; grandson, Damon Bailey, Ottawa, IL; nieces, Madison & Makayla Lawrence of Deepwater, MO; brother-in-law, John Bailey; sister-in-law; Beverly “Dote” Landers; nephews, Jeff Bailey, Jack Bailey, Mark Landers, Brady Landers, and Brent Hinners; nieces, Jenny Landers and Brandy Jo Hinners.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred “Boy” and Marie (Vittone) Panier; her sister, Mary Jo (Panier) Bohler; brother-in-law, Francis “Butch” Bohler; brother-in-law, Dale Stechman;  father-in-law, John “Shirley” Bailey; mother-in-law, Genrose Bailey; sister-in-law, Brenda “Tink” (Bailey) Hinners; brother-in-law, Willard “Wil” Landers; and sister-in-law, Ann Bailey.

“There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth, though they have long been extinct.  There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world, even though they are no longer among the living.”

A Celebration of a life well lived will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.