Ailene Mae Bardsley

Ailene Mae Bardsley, 97, of Anderson, Indiana passed into Heavenly Life July 24 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota with her son Bill at her side. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alice V. and William T. Yeo, sister Neva A. and brother Ralph T. Yeo, and her devoted husband of 65 years Ned Bardsley. Ailene is survived by daughter Jane Hutchins (Gene) of West Branch, MI, son Dr. William T. Bardsley (Heidi) of Rochester, MN, 4 grandchildren, Julie C. Budden (Cincinnati, OH), James A. Budden (Katie) (Columbus, OH), Kiri Ailene Bardsley and William (Ned) Bardsley (Rochester, MN). She is also survived by cousin Lloyd Yeo (Judy)(Saginaw, MI). Ailene was blessed with many wonderful friends, caregivers and neighbors who allowed her to enjoy her independence and home. Ailene grew up in West Branch, Michigan and attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a Masters Degree. She was one of the first women to graduate from the School of Business. She had a career in New York as head buyer of Women's Sportswear at Lord & Taylor and was sponsored by them on an around the world trip which was followed by the Detroit newspapers. She met and married Ned in Detroit and moved to Anderson in 1942 when Ned came to work for Delco Remy. Ailene and Ned were very involved in the Anderson community over their lifetimes. She was an active member in Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) and Daughters of the American Colonists (DAC), and her sorority Alpha Chi Omega, serving as its national Provence President in charge of opening new chapters at colleges across the country. She was the oldest living member of Alpha Chi Omega and was awarded a special recognition for service several years ago. She enjoyed her friendships in Over the Teacups Club, Hawthorne Club, Anderson Country Club and, in later years, her special Lunch Bunch. Ailene loved music, and was an accomplished pianist, sponsored many musicals in their home, and enjoyed playing for Ned while he sang. She was an astute business woman and enjoyed pursuing her business interests up until her death. Ailene and Ned were very involved member of the Anderson community, serving on Boards of YMCA, YWCA, St. John's Hospital, United Way and Anderson University. Together they establised and provided initial funding for The St. John's Children's Foundation. Ailene was one of the founding members of Town and Gown at Anderson College (University). Ailene's family would like to express appreciation for the special care she was given by Dr. David Mares, St. John's Hospital (Anderson) and St. Mary's Hospital (Rochester,MN) staff and nurses. Calling hours at Rozelle-Johnson are from 5-7 P.M. Friday. On Saturday, there will be a Funeral Mass at 11:00 at St. Mary's Church. Prior to the Mass, the family will also receive friends at 10:00. She will be laid to rest at Brookside Cemetery in West Branch, Michigan at 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 31. Memorial Gifts may be made in Ailene's memory to The Christian Center, St. Mary's Church, St. John's Children's Foundation, YMCA, Anderson University, American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.