PATRICIA COVEY BAILEY

Patricia "Pat" Covey Bailey, second of six children, was born in Syracuse, NY on May 9, 1960 to Herbert and Helena (Gorman) Covey. After graduation from Tully High School in 1978 she met her future husband Mark.They married on August 2, 1986. It was a special event as two large families came together to celebrate a magical day.

Pat's creative passion took her into a career of interior design. She worked for Ethan Allen as a designer. Eventually, an opportunity to pursue her dream became a reality when she was chosen as one of two people to receive a coveted art scholarship at Syracuse University. Mark was transferred to Massachusetts, so she was unable to accept the scholarship. This did not alter her determination. Back in New York two years later, she returned to school receiving a Bachelors of Fine Arts in graphic design from S.U. Pat was also a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1993 on her birthday and her very first Mother's Day!

After struggling for a period of time to start a family, she received great news at Christmas 1991. Their first daughter, Taylor Alexa, was born in August 1992, followed by a second blessing, Jenna Brook, born on St. Patrick's Day 1997.

Shortly after graduation she went to work as the Art Director/Designer for Burke Enterprises. It was at that time that she volunteered her artistic abilities to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She designed the T-shirts and headed the marketing campaign for several years. The year prior to being diagnosed she was asked to chair the Race event. She politely declined responding: "I don't feel I can talk the talk if I havent walked the walk!" She realized her personal connection all too soon.

Pat's priorities were her husband, daughters and family life so she decided to work from home. In 1997 Pat started her own business Indigo Design. It afforded her the opportunity to share her love and passion for art with her daughters. She had a knack of creating something out of nothing. Each day she spent with the girls involved painting, drawing, crafting, swimming, kayaking, biking, skiing and lots of fun. Her loving support she gave her daughters a solid foundation to be brave, strong and successful in life.

In June of 2005 she became a licensed realtor, partnering with her sister, Linda, and friend, Cathy, at Prudential 1st Properties, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Sadly, later that year her life would be changed forever. In November Pat was diagnosed with breast cancer. She began chemotherapy, immediately, followed by a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Pat had eight surgeries in one year! The chemo made her very ill, but she never gave up and, eventually, the sickness subsided. She started to feel well again, her strength returned and she was exercising every day. Everyone thought this was the turning point: she was going to beat this.

Then in January of 2007, what was supposed to be scar tissue was not. Scans, radiation and more chemo followed. She faced the disease with a new found attitude: she was not going to be beat. When it spread to her lungs she had a lung resection. When lesions appeared in her brain she underwent Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, both times returning to work within days. Only her immediate family knew. She didn't want people to be sad for her. She wanted to protect her daughters, nieces and nephews. Pat continued the medical treatments, and also some non-traditional procedures. She changed her diet and went to weekly reiki healings and acupuncture. Her courage and determination never wavered.

However, on May 19, 2008, surrounded by her entire family in her home, she lost her battle. We will forever miss her twinkling blue eyes, infectious smile, eternal optimism, and unconditional love and support she gave to all who knew and loved her.