Beryl Jacoba Wardlaw
Nov 26, 1948 -
Jan 16, 2020
Beryl Jacoba Wardlaw, 71, died on Jan. 16, 2020, at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. By her side were her husband of 40 years, their older daughter, and their 3-month-old grandson.
The eldest of four children, Beryl was born to Harold Wardlaw and Frida (Durrer) Wardlaw in Brunei, Borneo. Her father's work as a petroleum engineer took them to many countries, including Venezuela and the Netherlands, where her mother grew up. The family eventually settled in Houston, Texas.
Beryl was a loving mother, wife and friend, and talented artist. She married Victor Bailey in Ojai, Calif., on July 28, 1979. They moved to Alaska in 1980, where Victor worked as Printing Supervisor for the Anchorage School District. Their daughters were born in Anchorage in 1980 and 1983. In 1984, they moved to the Eagle River Valley, where they built and lived in a rustic cabin before buying a house closer to town. Beryl often said that though she had lived all over the world, Alaska was where she felt most at home.
Beryl homeschooled her two daughters from preschool through high school, devoting countless hours to planning, research and individual teaching to support their education and interests. While raising her girls she also found time for her art, creating beautiful original paintings and other works with watercolor, oil, fabric, paper and miniatures, many of which portrayed the Alaskan scenery and history she loved. She was generous with her time and resources, creating art for others and sharing homeschool time with her nieces and children of close friends.
Beryl is survived by her husband, Victor Bailey; brother, Malcolm Wardlaw; sister, Tessa Wardlaw; cousins, nieces and nephews; daughters, Freya Wardlaw-Bailey (James) and Cara Morse (Matt); and four grandchildren, Melody, Felix, Tallis and Juniper. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Frida Wardlaw; and her sister, Alison Wardlaw. Condolence messages may be sent to Victor Bailey, vbailey@mtaonline.net.
