ONEONTA — Francine S. Bailey, a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at A.O. Fox Hospital, at the age of 79. She will be dearly missed.

She was born November 29, 1946, in Oneonta, the daughter of John and Janet (Chapman) Stevens. Francine graduated from Milford Central High School in 1965. She married Robert H. Bailey of Oneonta on November 4, 1967.

After dedicating many years as a devoted stay-at-home mother, Francine pursued employment at Milford Central School as a teacher's aide. She later joined the family business, Stevens Hardware Co., Inc., working alongside her father as vice president until his passing.

Francine will be remembered for her great enthusiasm for water skiing on Goodyear Lake during her youth. She was also an accomplished artist, working primarily with acrylic paints and specializing in wildlife and nature scenes. She will be remembered for her quick wit and humor, and for the warm smile she leaves forever in our hearts.

Francine is survived by her daughter, Patricia "Micki" Bailey of Santa Fe, NM; her stepdaughter, Robin Bailey and her wife, Diane, of Melbourne, FL; her brother, William J. Stevens and his wife, Donna, of Oneonta; several nieces and nephews; and cherished family friends, Chris and Steve Llewellyn, and Dale Beach.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert H. Bailey, on November 4, 2025; her brother, Thomas C. Stevens; and her parents.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the providers and staff of A.O. Fox Hospital for their incredible compassion during her lengthy and complicated illness.

A celebration of life will be 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, Saturday May 9, Milford Fire Department, 64 South Main St., Route 28, Milford, NY 13807

Arrangements are entrusted to Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.
www.lhpfuneralhome.com