GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Monday evening, Gilda's Club in Grand Rapids announced via their Facebook page that one of their founding members, Debra Bailey, died early this morning due to complications from cancer, according to her family.
"It is with a very heavy heart that we share with you the news that Deb Bailey, one of Gilda’s Club founders, an inspiration to so many and devoted supporter of the Grand Rapids community died this morning," Gilda's Club said in the post." Deb was an integral part of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids...Thank you Deb for helping so many journey together as they navigated cancer and grief. Thank you for the many ways contributions to our greater community. You will be deeply missed!"
Well-known and respected as a tireless community volunteer and “connector,” Deb had an extraordinary impact on West Michigan in her various roles. She retired from Steelcase in June of 2018 after 19 years at the international furniture manufacturer, her last role being Director of Corporate Global Relations.
Her many and varied roles in the community included serving as a trustee at Grand Rapids Community College and on the governing boards of Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, Hospice of Michigan, Saint Mary’s Foundation, the YWCA-West Central Michigan, and Junior League of Grand Rapids.
She is survived by her daughter, Alix; a grandson and granddaughter; her mother, two sisters, and a brother.
