Rita Carol Bailey

                Rita Bailey died on November 12 at her home in Evanston where she was receiving in-home hospice care for advanced ovarian cancer.  She was age 78.

                Rita was born August 2, 1945, in Chicago.  She graduated from Northeastern Illinois State University and became a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools.

                In 1971 Rita married Bob Bailey.  They settled in Evanston where Rita became the mother of two daughters, Becky and Sarah.  She switched careers to accounting, became a CPA and earned a master’s in taxation.  She joined the IRS and spent 39 years with the service. 

                In retirement Rita devoted much time to volunteer work at Northminster Presbyterian Church where she was a deacon, an elder and served on several committees.  Rita was also an active volunteer in the community.  She was part of the leadership team for the Produce Mobile and was on the board of Interfaith Action of Evanston where she was treasurer.

                Rita will be remembered for her love of mysteries, fine wine and good food.  She enjoyed traveling and visited over 75 countries.  She described herself as a doer and a numbers person.  Her family saw her as unselfish, caring and brave in the face of terminal cancer.

                Rita is survived by Bob, her husband of 52 years, her daughters Becky and Sarah, her granddaughter Katie, her brother Carl and many other loving relatives.

                Rita’s memorial service and reception will be held at 2:30 p.m. on December 2 at Northminster Presbyterian Church located at 2515 Central Park Avenue in Evanston.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in her name to Interfaith Action of Evanston, 1004 Greenwood Street, Evanston IL 60201

https://interfaithactionofevanston.org/donate/

 Arrangements entrusted to Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director. Info 847 866-8843, condolence and guestbook at evanstonfuneral.com

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