Obituary of Joni Bailey

Miss Joni Bailey of Edmonton, formerly of Camrose passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the age of 45 years. Joni Lynn Bailey was born on August 28, 1968. She was adopted as an infant by Donald and Melva Bailey of Camrose; fulfilling their dream of having a little girl to raise, along with their two young boys, Bob and Jeff. Joni had an active and happy childhood - playing road hockey with her brothers, riding her bike, and playing in the neighborhood playgrounds with the other children. She was always a tomboy, and she could hold her own with any of the boys at school. As Joni grew, it became apparent that she had a lot of natural ability in a number of areas. She loved track and field, skating, and later roller-skating. She spent many winter days playing goal while her big brothers fired wrist shots at her with a frozen tennis ball! Not only was she a budding athlete, she was also a strong student academically, being placed in the gifted math class. In addition, she showed a lot of promise in music. Most of all, though, Joni was an outgoing and friendly person. One former teacher of Joni's recalls that Joni was one of the most well liked students she had ever taught. Unfortunately, it was during these developmental years that Joni began to exhibit unexplained behaviors. During this period of her life, Joni gave birth to her first child, a boy, whom she gave up for adoption. This was a very difficult decision, but one she knew was the right choice, given her circumstances. It would later be determined that Joni was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. Sadly, this terrible illness would take its toll on Joni for the rest of her life. Although the condition would forever alter her life, Joni exhibited the courage to go on when it might often have seemed easier to give up. In 1991, Joni gave birth to her second child, whom she named P.J. She loved P.J. to the ends of the earth, but due to her illness, she was simply unable to care for him. As a result, baby P.J. was welcomed with open arms to the home of Bob and Val, who along with their girls Brittany and Halley, felt blessed to make him part of their family. P.J. inherited his biological mom's good nature and likeable demeanor. Joni's promise and great potential was realized in P.J. Joni was very proud of P.J., and she always enjoyed hearing of his exploits, although in her mind he always remained the little boy she used to visit when she lived in Camrose. Joni spent much of her early adult years living at home with her Mom. Melva worked tirelessly to help Joni in any way she could, even spearheading the establishment of the local chapter of the Schizophrenia Society. As more time passed, Joni spent periods living in group homes in Red Deer and finally in Edmonton. The staff at her Edmonton group home and her social worker shared that Joni inspired friendship, love and loyalty among them. She was seen as cheerful, kind, and generous. While our contact with Joni was limited in recent years, and often complicated by her illness, we are grateful that she was able to find support and friendship with her caregivers and co-residents. We wish our relationship with Joni as an adult had been closer, and we will always love and miss our little sister. Joni leaves to mourn her passing, her brothers Bob (Val) and Jeff (Maureen), and nieces Brittany (Mike) and Halley, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Don and Melva, niece Carling Mary Bailey, and her beloved son P.J. "Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all." (Bill Clinton) - Joni's Family A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 2:00pm., from the Camrose United Church (4829 50 Street, Camrose, AB) with Mary Ann Pastuck officiating. Interment followed in the Camrose Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The P.J. Bailey Fund C/O The Battle River Community Foundation.