Bailey Irene Drager Santana

February 11, 1998 - January 21, 2007

SALEM - Bailey Irene Drager Santana went to play with the angels on January 21. She is at peace in the loving arms of Our Heavenly Father.

   She was diagnosed on March 22, 2005 with an inoperable brain tumor. She gave a courageous fight for almost two years. Bailey was born on February 11, 1998 in Ithaca, New York to Rob and Pam Drager, one month later Rob passed away of colon cancer.

   Pam and Bailey moved to Salem in April of 1998. On June 2, 2001 Bailey gained a wonderful new family, a loving daddy and two special sisters when Pam married John Santana. Bailey was blessed to have two loving daddies to watch over and take care of her. In the short 9 years God gave her to us, she touched so many lives. She had the greatest smile and love for everyone and everything. She could light up your heart when you walked into a room, and she would run up, jump in your arms, and tell you she loved you.

   In January of 2005 she won several awards at the International Model and Talent Agency in Los Angeles for acting and modeling. She was a published poem writer and artist. A few of her favorite things are her menagerie of animals on the farm, science, arts, acting, singing, baking, writing songs, poems and stories. Bailey played soccer, basketball, T-ball, and cheerleading. She loved swimming in her pool and going to the lake. The greatest love of her life was her amazing, loving mother Pam. Thanks to all of you for your support, strength, and prayers through all of this.

   Bailey is survived in life by her parents, John and Pam Santana; sisters, Amanda and Marissa Santana; Papa Jake Bachmeier; Grandpa Joe Santana; Grandmother Mary Ann Santana; Great Aunt Dory; aunts, Selena Farmer, Jean Alexander, Nancy Smartt, Mary Garibay, Kieley Santana Malueg, and Molly Santana; uncles, Al, Bob, and Jim Smith, Joey and James Santana; 23 cousins, and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her dad, Rob Drager; grandparents, John and Helen Smith, Robert and Peg Drager, and Elaine English.

   Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 24 at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service, 605 Commercial St. SE, Salem.

   A Celebration of Life service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, January 26 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4227 Lone Oak Rd SE, Salem.

   In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Turner Elementary School, 7800 School Ave., Turner, OR 97392.

Published in the Statesman Journal 1-24-07