Phyllis Jean Bayley (Bunny)
April 13, 1941 – May 14, 2025

Phyllis Jean Bayley passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 84.

Born on April 13, 1941, in Estevan, Sask., she was the beloved daughter of Marie Knight and was lovingly raised by her grandparents, John and Virginia Blondeau.

Bunny led a life of deep purpose, compassion and unwavering dedication to her family and community. After moving to Edmonton to pursue a nursing career, she met and married Clifford Bayley. Together, they settled in Crooked Creek, Alta., where they raised their family before eventually moving to Rocky Mountain House. There, Bunny worked as a nurse at the local hospital, offering care and comfort to many.

In 1989, she shifted her path to represent for First Nations communities — a cause close to her heart. As a proud Métis woman, Bunny was a strong advocate for Native Counseling Services in Rocky Mountain House, where she supported and fought for fair and equitable treatment for First Nation families in the court system. Her door was always open. She also played a foundational role in the Rocky Native Friendship Centre and the local women’s shelter. Her door was also open to the kids in the community that called her Gookum. Her work left a lasting impact, and she was honoured as an Elder and a respected leader, adviser to the court for the First Nation people throughout the region.

Bunny had a passion for crafting, crocheting, knitting and music. She remained engaged with the world around her, always informed and thoughtful.

In 2023, she moved to California to be with her eldest daughter, Lisa, and enjoy her final years surrounded by love and sunshine. She is survived by her children: Brad (Alana) Bayley, Lisa (Tommy) Wofford, Kari Bayley, and Lea Bayley; her foster son Jesse Dixon; grandchildren: Christina, Danielle, Reison, Wilson, Erin, Robyn, Eden, Roe, Gage, Fyscher and Carter; numerous great-grandchildren; her sisters: Val, Leslie, and Lindsay. Bunny is predeceased by her mother, Marie Knight; her infant daughter, Marla Jean Bayley; and her husband, Clifford Bayley.

Her legacy of care, advocacy, and strength lives on in the many lives she touched.

A celebration of her life will be held this summer in August. Time and place TBA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alberta Sphynx Rescue, or ROAR.