Anna Marie Bailey (Cunha)

July 19, 1964 – August 5, 2025

Anna Bailey, born Anna Cunha on July 19, 1964, in Modesto, California, passed away on August 5, 2025, in Ceres, at the age of 61. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished member of the community whose vibrant spirit and warm heart will be deeply missed.

Anna was the beloved wife of Billy Bailey, with whom she shared a life full of love, family, and commitment. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Natalie Cunha and grew up in Ceres, where she developed a lifelong passion for athletics, crafts and community involvement.

A gifted athlete, Anna earned varsity letters in seven sports at Ceres High School and went on to receive the NCAA Bronze Heptathlete Award at Modesto Junior College. Her creativity and generosity shone through in her love for all things craft and in her years of service as a 4-H leader, inspiring countless young people.

In 1982, Anna was honored as the Queen of St. Anthony’s Festa in Patterson, California — a proud celebration of her Portuguese heritage and dedication to her community.

She is survived by her husband, Billy Bailey; her children, William Bailey and his significant other Kelly Griffin, and Matthew Bailey; her brother, Dennis Cunha, and her sisters, Mary Beckwith and Charlotte Machado and her husband Rodney “Skip” Machado.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Charlie Cunha and Tony Cunha; her sister-in-law, Carol Cunha (wife of Dennis Cunha), Doug Beckwith (husband of Mary Beckwith).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a Rosary starting at 6 p.m., at Franklin & Downs Ceres Chapel, 2561 Fifth St., Ceres. A burial service will follow on Friday, August 15, at 10 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, 1141 Scenic Dr., Modesto.

Anna’s legacy of strength, compassion, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

– Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Wednesday, August 13, 2025