HOLLIS – Karen Lee Bailey, age 58, passed away on July 9, 2025, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. She went peacefully surrounded by her family at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.
She was born in Biddeford, Maine, the daughter of Landean H. Bailey and Roberta J. Bailey (Yankowsky). She attended Scarborough schools and received her diploma from Westbrook High School. She went to school to become a CNA and did that work for several years. She loved taking care of people. After, she decided to make a change and became a taxicab driver. She loved the interactions with customers and driving. She knew all the short cuts to get to places. Her last career was working for Standard Parking at the Airport for several years. It was her 2nd home, and she had a work family. She made some special friendships.
Karen loved the simple things in life. Spending time with her family especially seeing her grandchildren, watching TV shows, going out for coffee, doing puzzles and coloring, music and singing. She had a love for all animals, domestic and wild. Her last dog was Rosie who she loved so very much. She had a chipmunk outside that she named chippy and would feed him peanuts. A few years ago, she got to go on an amazing trip with her son for his select chorus in school. They traveled to Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic. It was the trip of a lifetime.
Karen will be remembered for her cheerful smile, how much she loved her family, caring nature for others and her love of all creatures big and small.
She is pre-deceased by her father, Landean H. Bailey and her Brother-in-law William F. MacMillan.
Karen is survived by her mother, Roberta J. Bailey (Yankowsky) of Hollis, Her children Amanda J. Gove of Bangor and Ryan J. Bowman of Hollis. Four Grandchildren, Kody, Kali, Kason and Addison; Sister – Lisa M. MacMillan of Standish; Nephew, Great Niece and Nephew, Aunts and several cousins.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, August 1st at 3:00 PM at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, 125 Sokokis Trail, East Waterboro. Online Condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Refuge league of Westbrook or the American Cancer Society.