Obituaries

February 25, 1952 to August 16, 2024

WINAMAC - Connie Jean (Howard) Bailey, 72, of Hamlet, passed peacefully Friday, Aug. 16, two weeks after suffering severe head injuries and medical complications following a home invasion and brutal attack.

Connie Bailey

She was born Feb. 25, 1952 in LaPorte to the late Thomas and Ardella Paulsen of Bass Lake. She grew up on a farm in San Pierre, and attended North Judson-San Pierre High School (class of 1970).

She is survived by her husband Hank Bailey who was also injured in the assault and stepdaughter Rosie Bailey of Hamlet. Other family members are son Thomas (Ann) Howard of Winamac, son Scott (Diana) Howard of Culver, sister Beverly (Marc) Santicola of Pittsburgh, Pa., and brother-in-law Buddy (Arlene) Bailey of Butler. She had five grandchildren, Samantha, Marisa, and Tolsen Howard of Culver, MacKenzie (Nic) Richter of Rochester, Brant (Serena) Howard of Winamac and three great-grandchildren, Abel, Lucy, and Harrison. 

Mrs. Bailey will be remembered for her selfless giving, acts of kindness, strong work ethic, and devotion to family. She worked for Del Monte Foods in Plymouth and retired from MPI Products in Knox after 24 years of employment. She was currently serving as an elected member of the Hamlet town council.

A celebration of life will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Heartland Church in Winamac. A prayer service will follow from 7 to 7:30 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Michiana Crime Stoppers to support future crime prevention work. Michiana Crime Stoppers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The reward money paid out leading to the arrest of felons in our community is through fund raising efforts, and donations from concerned citizens and businesses. The family asks for help to make the community a safer place to live and work. Donate online to pay by credit card or send a check to Michiana Crime Stoppers, 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46601.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.