In Memory

Wanda Elaine Bailey (Nace) - Class Of 1958

After a life well-lived, Wanda Bailey Nace passed away in Texas on Monday, December 19, 2016.

Born in Baltimore in 1940 to William G. Bailey and Alma Hensley Bailey, Wanda grew up in the rural countryside near Charlottesville.

Although means were spare, love and family were abound in Wanda's life. As a child she was happiest outside in the woods, playing with her sister, Jean and her brother, Bill, and helping her mother and grandmother in their farm chores. Wanda sang in church, excelled in school, played the violin, and loved hunting with her father. Her teachers and church leaders recognized Wanda's potential and arranged college scholarships which allowed her to attend Radford College. Wanda graduated with a BS in Education in 1962.

The week following graduation Wanda married David Nace and moved to Howard County, Maryland where they resided for over 40 years. After teaching for several years, Wanda took time out of her career to raise three children, Bill, Julie, and Wendy. When she returned to work it was to run the church office and subsequently to direct Human Resources efforts for two start-up firms. Wanda was active in the community, worked on countless church committees, sang in church and community choirs, and enjoyed several book groups.

Over the years, her family grew to include her children's spouses, Masayo Kohama, Donald Hale, and Arthur Castro; and five grandchildren, Aki, Sarah, Benjamin, Logan, and Elaine.

Wanda's greatest loves, besides her family and friends, were Bible study, gardening, and birds. Her favorite conversations revolved around family, theology, planting schedules, and wildlife sightings. She often commented on how her name meant "Wanderer," for she loved to roam through the woods and meadows where she communed with God amidst his loving creation.

In 2008, Wanda and David moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they spent their retirement camping, fishing, bicycling, travelling, and indulging their grandchildren as often as possible. After David died in 2010, Wanda moved to College Station, Texas to be near her daughter, Wendy. Wanda brought joy, warmth, and acceptance with her wherever she roamed.

The world is a bit dimmer since her departure. Wanda's legacy reminds us to seek out and celebrate the gifts of Godin nature and in each other every single day.

Locally, Wanda is survived by her brother, Bill Bailey and his wife, Fran of Charlottesville; her niece, Jennifer Frasure of Scottsville; and her sister-in-law, MeAnn Bailey of Charlottesville.

Friends and family will celebrate Wanda's life at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Highland, Maryland. Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the Oakland Cemetery in Oakland, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests gifts be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or Hospice Brazos Valley (800-824-2326).

Below is a letter her daughter Wendy sent to Connie:

Connie,

As you may know if you have seen my uncle Bill Bailey recently, my mother Wanda Bailey Nace (class of 58) passed away in December.  She spent several years with Alzheimer's, but her generous loving spirit stayed with her to her last breath.  She spoke fondly of you, of her other friends, and of growing up in Albemarle County.

My siblings and I are planning services for her in June when everyone can be together.  Once the obituary is finalized I will send a copy to you.  I would appreciate it if you would forward it on to other classmates.  She would have loved to return to for the reunion this summer.  

My husband and I live in Texas and we will be bringing Mom's remains through her beloved Charlottesville on our way to Maryland for services.  I plan on digging up some of that red clay soil she loved and making sure it resides with her in her final resting place.

Peace to you,

Wendy Nace Castro