Connie Jean (Howard) Bailey of Hamlet, age 72, passed peacefully on August 16, 2024, two weeks after suffering severe head injuries and medical complications following a home invasion and brutal attack. Connie will be remembered for her selfless giving, acts of kindness, strong work ethic, and devotion to family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas & Ardella Paulsen of Bass Lake, Indiana.
Connie is survived by her husband Hank Bailey who was also injured in the assault and stepdaughter Rosie Bailey of Hamlet. Other family members grieving her loss are son Thomas Howard (Ann) of Winamac, son Scott Howard (Diana) of Culver, sister Beverly Santicola (Marc) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and brother-in-law Buddy Bailey (Arlene) of Butler. Connie had five grandchildren, Samantha, Marisa, and Tolsen Howard of Culver, MacKenzie Richter (Nic) of Rochester, Brant Howard (Serena) of Winamac and three great grandchildren, Abel, Lucy, and Harrison.
Connie was born in LaPorte, Indiana on February 25, 1952, grew up on a farm in San Pierre, and attended North Judson-San Pierre High School (class of 1970). Connie worked for Del Monte Foods in Plymouth and retired from MPI Products in Knox after 24 years of employment. She was currently serving as an elected member of the Hamlet town council.
A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at the Heartland Church located at 890 IN-14 in Winamac, Indiana from 5-7 pm Eastern Daylight Time (4-6 Central Time).
A Prayer service will follow from 7-7:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time (6-6:30 Central Time).
Memorial contributions should be made to the Michiana Crime Stoppers to support future crime prevention work.
Michiana Crime Stoppers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The reward money paid out leading to the arrest of felons in our community is through fund raising efforts, and donations from concerned citizens and businesses. Help us make our community a safer place to live and work. We ask YOU to show your support for Michiana Crime Stoppers.
Donate online to pay by credit card or send your check to Michiana Crime Stoppers, 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46601.
Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN
