Genevieve Bailey, 77, of Florence, Ore., passed away March 5, 2016.

She was born in Ingleside, Ill., on April 16, 1938, the daughter of Ralph and Ruth (Bennett) Bailey.

Genevieve received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, in 1959.

She started her teaching career in South Dakota and then made her way west to Oregon State University.

It is there that Genevieve received her master’s of science degree in 1965.

She was then employed at the Springfield School District for two and half years before she moved to Florence. “Miss Bailey” began her legendary employment at Siuslaw High School in September 1968.

During her 25-year journey at Siuslaw, she touched thousands of lives. She taught biology, ecology, medical technology and marine biology in addition to being a sophomore class adviser for many years.

During the summer months, Genevieve was a deep-sea fisherwoman partnering with Mel Hinch on his boat the “Peacock.”

After Mel and Genevieve were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard from their ship as it sank at sea, they purchased the “Lassie.”

Following Mel’s death, Genevieve became captain of the boat and landed tons of salmon over the years, which she generously shared with family and friends.

She loved to be out on the ocean and fished as long as health permitted.

Genevieve was such a giving individual that she would help feed friends and strangers down at the docks and was forever a teacher and helper to her dock mates.

Genevieve is survived by her aunt, Laura Caravatt of Ludlow, Vt., and two cousins Rev. Cynthia Holden of Southbury, Conn., and Suzanne Andrews of Cumberland, Maine.

Miss Bailey is also survived by thousands of Siuslaw High School alumni and the hundreds of people that she influenced.

The biggest impact that Miss Bailey had was with her students. When her passing was posted on social media, hundreds of alumni responded with fond memories and genuine sadness.

Her reputation for being a tough and demanding teacher was matched by her kindness and concern.

People remembered the hands-on labs, the field trips and all the work that she put into her curriculum. Most people mentioned the passion that she had for her work and her love of the outdoors.

Alumni thanked her for being a teacher of lifelong skills in addition to science and college preparedness. They all learned how to study, to be prompt, to be problem solvers and critical thinkers.

She also inspired many to go into science fields. She was given the respect that she very much deserved. Her famous quote, “Last name first, first name, class hour circled,” will live long in the memories of her students.

Genevieve was also an amazing peer and mentor. She took new, young teachers under her wing just like one of her students. Her tutelage and encouragement was welcomed by many Siuslaw High School rookie teachers.

When she retired in June 1993, there were a few alumni ready to take her place. Miss Bailey made sure that her replacements were well-informed, well-prepared and ready to fill her shoes. She spent countless hours after school and on the weekends helping with the fish tanks, lab supplies and curriculum.

She taught others how to be better students, better teachers and better people.

Genevieve Bailey was a very influential and inspirational woman who will never be forgotten.

Anyone who would like to donate to the Genevieve Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund can send it to Banner Bank, 777 Highway 101, Florence, OR, 97439.

Please make checks payable to the “Genevieve Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund.”

These may be left with Burns’s Riverside Chapel Florence Funeral Home, which was in charge of arrangements.