Carol A. Bailey, 89, of Beloit, WI, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Beloit Senior Living.

She was born June 2, 1936 in Cambridge, MA, the daughter of Thomas and Helen L. (McCarthy) Donnelly. Carol attended schools in Cambridge, MA. She married Eldon “Lee” Bailey on October 6, 1954 in Cambridge, MA. He predeceased her on January 22, 2016.

Carol was a long-time member of St. Thomas Catholic Church where she volunteered and helped prepare meals for countless funeral lunches. Carol was a compassionate and caring woman and universally loved. She spent many hours bedside sick and dying friends and church members. Even into her early 80’s she was delivering for Meals On Wheels. Carol was proud of her Irish heritage. She was known for her legendary lasagna and potato salad and liked to sing. Carol wanted to be remembered for doing the best she could.

Survivors include her six sons, Michael Bailey of Fox Lake, WI, Bill (Jane) Bailey of DeForest, WI, Tim Bailey of Kermit, Texas, David Bailey, Sean Bailey and Jeremy Bailey all of Beloit, WI; grandchildren, Daniel Bailey and Brendan Hess; Sister-in-law Pat Bailey of Cherry Valley, IL, and Judy Neumann of Beloit, WI; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Tom and Jackie Roehl and Joyce Plummer.

She was predeceased by her parents; brother, William (Bill) Donnelly; sisters, Eleanor Davis, Dorothy Auterio, Ruth Graham, Bernice Landherr and Joan Carroll.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial for Carol will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026 in St. Thomas Catholic Church, 824 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 in the church.

The family would like to thank the dedicated and loving staff at Beloit Senior Living and Beloit Regional Hospice.

Memorials may be given in her name to St. Thomas Catholic Church of Beloit or Beloit Regional Hospice.