| Notes |
- From FindaGrave:
Socialite, Heiress,
Eunice was born to Alfred and Lily Bailey on September 6, 1928 in London, England.
At an early age she became a model for Christian Dior in France.
On July 5, 1952, Eunice married William Pitt Oakes. Oakes was from a wealthy family who made their money through a number of ventures which included gold mining. At the time of her marriage, Eunice was nearly 24 years old and Oakes was nearly 22 years old.
Although William's family made much of their money in the northeastern United States and Canada, the family resided in Nassau, Bahamas. Years prior to Eunice's entrance into this family, William's father Sir Harry Oakes was murdered in a sensational case that rocked the Bahamas. The story includes the Duke of Windsor who was in charge of the investigation against William's brother in law for the murder. A very sordid tale which ended in the brother in law, Count Alfred de Marigny being acquitted of the charges. No further court proceedings took place and the murderer was never identified.
On August 27, 1958, Eunice's husband, William Pitt Oakes died at the age of 27. He was admitted to a hospital in New York City where he died. The cause of death was listed as a coronary thrombosis complicated by a liver ailment. Pitt-Oakes was known to be an alcoholic. The couple did not have any children and they were said to be in the process of divorcing upon his death. They were married for 6 years.
On March 21, 1961, Eunice married Robert David Lion Gardiner at St. Thomas Church in New York City. At that time Eunice was 32 years old and Robert was 50. Robert came from one of the very early settlers of New York. His family lineage includes one of the United States First Ladies, Julia Gardiner Tyler.
For years Robert was involved in a struggle over the family owned island he inherited which is located off of the coast of Long Island, NY. Gardiner's Island is the longest privately owned island which was granted to the Gardiner family by King Charles I in 1639. The couple met at a birthday party for Mr. Gardiner at the Everglades Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Eunice and Bob spent their years between East Hampton, New York and Palm Beach, Florida.
On August 23, 2004 Robert David Lion Gardiner died. On July 26, 2011
Eunice died in Palm Beach. She is interred with her husband in South End Cemetery in East Hampton, NY.
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1928 - 2011 (82 years)
