Elizabeth was born in Scotland and from all accounts appeared to be a natural teacher even after she retired. She taught both locally in Scotland and abroad. She became part of the Tabeetha family when she taught at our special School between 1987 and 1990.
Here are some excerpts from a eulogy presented by her great-niece – Rosie Wilson.
Elizabeth’s first job was in Queensland,where she was employed to tutor two boys on a station on the Roper River. As well as her charges, she taught the aboriginal children of the station hands. She learnt new skills, for example checking the school cupboards for snakes. Her next position was as Headmistress of a school for aboriginal children on the very remote Groote Eyelant in Arnhem Land. She was fully immersed in community life, for example defending a pupil when an axe wielding man came into her classroom shouting about stolen apples. Her next assignment was in Borroloola, a settlement which consisted of just one store and the school, which was sited in a caravan. Children would arrive by dugout canoe and Elizabeth would have to make sure they showered and dressed before teaching could begin. After leaving Australia she briefly taught in Shannon in New Zealand, returning eventually to Edinburgh in 1969. She worked again as a teacher and deputy headmistress in Edinburgh primary schools until her retirement. She threw herself back into Edinburgh life, becoming County Camp Advisor for the girl guides, singing with the Bach Choir and being an active member of St. Giles Cathedral. She enjoyed subscription concerts at UsherHall and was a member of the Royal Academy. She was a Friend and frequent visitor of the Botanical Gardens.
Elizabeth enjoyed the works of Robert Louis Stevenson and an adaptation of one of his works sums up her life quite well.
She achieved success, lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
She gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of little children;
She filled her niche and accomplished her task
and left the world better than she found it;
She looked for the best in others and gave the best she had;
Her life was an inspiration.
Her memory is a benediction.
We are very thankful for the life of Aunt Elizabeth. She was a very special person who in her own quiet way touched the lives of all of us.
On Behalf of the Tabeetha Family we offer our deepest respect and condolences to the family and friends of Elizabeth Bailey.
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