Judith W. (Witham) Bailey

Cambridge, NY - Judith W. Bailey, 88, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025, at her home on Gannon Road in Center Cambridge, comforted by her husband and family.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on April 15, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Beatrice (LaMont) Witham.  Judy graduated from Massapequa High School and later from the Lenox Hill School of Nursing in Manhattan in 1959. Shortly after her marriage, she and her husband settled in Cambridge in 1960, where she devoted her life to her family, her community, and her profession.

Judy began her career as a Registered Nurse, serving with dedication at Albany Medical Center in Albany, Bellevue Hospital in Niskayuna, Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, and ultimately at the Mary McClellan Hospital in Cambridge. At Mary McClellan, she worked as both the Employee Health Nurse and the Infection Control Nurse, roles in which she was known for her steady professionalism and compassionate care. She retired in 1997 after a long and meaningful career.

Outside of nursing, Judy embraced many roles that reflected her creativity and devotion to those around her. For 60 years, she was the wreath maker at the Bailey Family Christmas Tree Farm, crafting pieces that brought joy to countless families during the holiday season. She also volunteered as a Cub Scout Den Mother and found great fulfillment both in tending her gardens at home and traveling abroad with Allen. More than anything, she cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were an important and treasured part of her life.

Judy is survived by her husband of 66 years, Allen R. Bailey, whom she married on September 2, 1959; her children, Bruce Allen Bailey and his wife LeeAnn Paquette of Cambridge, Scott Brian Bailey and his wife Valerie of North Carolina, and Christopher Eaton Bailey and his wife Courtenay Harrington-Bailey of Cape Cod, MA. She leaves behind six grandchildren—Janelle Harshman and her husband Hayden Harshman, Ryan Bailey, Ethan Harrington Bailey, Sophia Elizabeth Bailey, Joshua Bailey, and Emily Bailey as well as her two great-grandchildren, Maia Rose and Gianna Grace Harshman. She is also survived by her sister, Rachel Graziose of Marietta, GA, and two nieces Beth and Melissa. Judy was predeceased by her brother-in-law Thomas Graziose. 

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 4–6 p.m. at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge. A time of reflections will begin at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s memory may be made to the Cambridge Food Pantry, P.O. Box 473, Cambridge, NY 12816.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Judy, please visit gariepyfuneralhomes.com

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