June 16, 1942 – September 4, 2025

Ellen was born on June 16, 1942, in St. Louis, MO and grew up in the once Irish immigrant neighborhood of Dogtown. Ellen’s early life and upbringing was one rich in tradition and the importance of family. Having inherited the spark of her kin, Ellen was a masterful storyteller. Gifted at bringing the listener into the moment, carrying them along with each word until the punchline hit and a big laugh ensued, or a priceless piece of wisdom was shared.

Times were not always easy for Ellen. She lost her beloved husband, Jim, to cancer and she was left to raise four young children on her own, the youngest barely a year old. In an effort to support her family as a single parent, she went back to school in her thirties, earned her degree in nursing, and built a successful career spanning decades. When faced with motherhood alone, she showed deep love and strength for her children and managed to raise four good people who brought her many beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved without bounds.

Ellen was so much to so many. From caring for AIDS patients at the height of the epidemic, to simply offering a listening ear and sound advice to others, she made an impact, in big and little ways, every day of her life. Her legacy is one of warmth, laughter, and inspiration. She selflessly gave to others, never expecting a thing in return and never hardening her heart when faced with life’s challenges. She remained loving, thoughtful, and funny until her last breath. The day before she died, when she could no longer speak, open her eyes, eat, or drink, she wiggled her toes in playful agreeance when her sister asked if “she’d like a rum and coke”, allowing a moment of levity and laughter in an otherwise sorrowful room — keeping true to her nature, one last act of love. Ellen Bailey is irreplaceable, but her spirit and legacy will live on.

“Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.” – Author Unknown

Ellen Frances Bailey (Larrigan) of Saint Louis, MO, passed away at the age of 83 on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025. She is survived by her four children: James Bailey (Patty), Daniel Bailey (Rebecca), Matthew Bailey (Tracy), and Laura Bailey (Matt); Her grandchildren: Alex (Laura), Jonah, George, Liam, Jacob, Emily, Ellie, Jimi, Calder, Payne, Alyson, Hayden, Joey, Ronan, Grace, and Audrey. Her great-grandchildren: Brayden and Mia. Her lifelong best friends: Karen, Virginia, and Carol. Her brothers: Jerry, Harry, and Patrick. And her beloved sister Ruthann. She is preceded in death by her husband, James, mother Ruth, father, Harry, Brother Tom, and sister, Christine. Ellen was a wonderful wife, mom, sister, friend, grandma, great-grandma, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, bonus mom, daughter, and caregiver.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 555 Bailey Rd, Crystal City, MO 63019. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to Shriners Children’s Hospital St. Louis, the Humane Society of Missouri, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.