She was a little lady with a long name, Carmen Gonzalez Bailey Hoistad Lewis and a larger personality! Carmen was Gods’ gift to all who knew her and even touched the lives of those who didn’t . Born April 26, 1913, Carmen went home to rest with her true Father April 28, 2015 at the age of 102.
She was a little lady with a long name, Carmen Gonzalez Bailey Hoistad Lewis and a larger personality! Carmen was Gods’ gift to all who knew her and even touched the lives of those who didn’t . Born April 26, 1913, Carmen went home to rest with her true Father April 28, 2015 at the age of 102.
Carmen had a passion for life and people that gave her purpose everyday of her life. Carmen was vivacious, tenacious and a devout Catholic. Carmen professed that she was not stubborn…she was Determined!! She had a heart that was twice the size of most, which allowed her to leap tall buildings, effortlessly, with a single bound.
In 1944 Carmen, Bob Bailey her husband, Claude and Paul, their sons, moved to Alpine and bought a small restaurant which they named “Bailey’s Cafe”. On Friday’s they would close early to allow the young people to hold meetings, movies and dance. They were also on call 24 hours a day, to feed the forest firefighters, when a fire broke out, either out on the line or at the cafe.
Carmen also put a gallon jar on the counter near the register to collect funds to build the Catholic Church “Queen of Angles” She was the last founding member. Carmen was truly the “Queen of Angles”.
Carmen married Jack Hoistad after her first husbands death in 1956. Jack owned Alpine Trucking and assisted Carmen with running the restaurant until they sold it in 1970. Jack was also responsible for levelling the ground for the baseball fields in Alpine.
Carmen married Jim Lewis after her husband Jack Hoistad died in 1971. Jim had retired from his machine repair business back east and moved to Alpine and lived up the block from Carmen. Jim Lewis passed in 2003. When asked if she was going to remarry again….she replied “Heck NO, I’m tired of taking care of little old men!”
Carmen was very active in her community. She was involved in the Alpine Woman’s Club since 1945, Alpine Senior Citizens since 1971, Chairwomen to the Alpine parade, Alpine Historical and Conservation Society since its charter date, Queen of Angels Guild, Elementary PTA, Kitchen Cut-Ups Band where she danced her heart out and entertained, Boy Scouts, SCOOP, ALFA, Chamber of Commerce, Bunco and attended Sit and Fit on Tuesday’s to exercise until she was 101.
Carmen spent the last seven months of her life at home with amazing loving care from Eileen Hoover a parishioner from Queen of Angels. Eileen put her personal life on hold to be available 24/7 to assist Claude Bailey and Chuck a long time friend, in her constant feeding, bathing and loving care. Eileen would read the paper to Carmen and watch movies with her. Carmen’s favorite movie was Dirty Dancing with Patrick Swayze. Eileen said “she really comes alive when we watch that movie”. Carmen was given 24 hour loving care by this trio.
Carmen is survived by her sons Claude Bailey and Paul Bailey and his wife Joan Bailey. Her Grandchildren: Debra Bailey who was with her at her passing, Denise Bailey and Alannah Bailey. Great Grandchildren: Jason Petersen, Justine Bailey, Kylee Bailey, Nattacia Bailey and Brooks Bailey. Great Great Grandchildren: Liala Petersen, Olive Petersen, Gracie Petersen, Autumn Bailey, Ryder Bailey.
Carmen is sitting at the right hand of her Father currently reorganizing Heaven as we speak.
God Bless you Carmen!
May 8, 2015 – Friday there will be a Celebration of Carmen’s life. Everyone is invited. Queen of Angles Church. 10:30 Rosary – 11:00 Mass – Alpine Cemetery following mass and reception at the hall of the original Queen of Angles Church that Carmen assisted in its creation.
