Passing thoughts on longtime L’Obervateur icon, Debbie Bailey

Published 9:26 am Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Special to The L’Observateur

Many longtime L’Observatuer readers knew Debbie Bailey, either personally or through her extensive career in circulation, serving subscribers and the occasional reader alike with a dedication and passion for our newspaper. 

Debbie had a keen sense of what it meant for a community newspaper to be in touch with residents throughout the River Parishes. And her commitment was evident from the first conversation I had with her almost a year ago. ‘Ms. Debbie served dutifully for the L’Observateur for over 30 years before passing away in January 14 after a brief illness. 

I asked Brooke Cantrelle (then Robichaux), who worked in the newsroom with Debbie for several years, to give us a glimpse of what it was like working with a local industry icon, and a beloved member of our newspaper family. For many years, Ms. Debbie played an integral role in making L’Obervateur “the best along the river”…

-David Singleton, General Manager, L’Observateur

Debbie worked at L’Observateur long before I first walked through the doors as a news reporter in late 2017, and she remained part of the team after I left six years later. She was a constant in a business that was ever-changing. 

I knew she also did the paper route for the Times-Picayune, and although I never asked, I had the impression that the newspaper business had been her life’s work. Although she was behind the wheel through much of the night, I would still see her come into the office in the morning, seeming energized despite only having a few hours of sleep.

She would lean against the counter, wearing her signature green polo shirt, and fill me in on endless potential story ideas. Debbie always knew which businesses were opening, closing, or moving across town. She knew everyone and didn’t speak ill of anyone. Her finger was always on the pulse of the community, and she knew just who to contact in almost every situation.

I saw her dedication shine through as she worked to keep up our office, whether that called for arranging furniture, handling pest prevention, or tending to leaky gutters after Hurricane Ida. It was an old building without any sense of modern aesthetics, but she did her best to make it feel homey. These efforts included placing a large, plush area rug and bright curtains around my workstation. 

She would leave pens at my desk, usually the kind with colorful gel ink or flowers attached to the ends. Although I didn’t know much about her life outside of work, I know that she loved her children, cared deeply for her pets, and went the extra mile to take care of her mother.

I also know that she had experienced a great deal of grief but still managed to have a positive outlook on life. Her memory will be treasured by everyone who was lucky enough to know her. Her passing is a loss not only to L’Observateur but to the community as a whole.

– Brooke R. Cantrelle, Former L’Observateur Community Reporter