Ligaya M. ‘Gay’ Barke Feb. 21, 1935 – Dec. 16, 2022

Ligaya M. ‘Gay’ Barke, age 87 of Chicago, IL, formerly of Skokie, IL on Friday, December 16, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Oscar. Loving Mother of Jodi (Vince), Lora (Eric), and the late John. Dear sister of Elizabeth and the late Flora.

Whether campaigning for her girls’ successful student council presidency runs by scooping ice cream from the trunk of her signature Cadillac during school recess; wearing the crown as Miss Manila; or aerobicising with Richard Simmons as he promoted the Chicago Health Clubs during her tenure there; Gay was an unstoppable force whose light always shined beautifully and brightly. In the 1970’s Gay served as an Honorary Ambassador for the Mayor of Manila, presenting on his behalf keys to the city to then San Francisco Mayor Moscone, Chicago Mayor Daley, and New York Mayor Koch. An inspirational fashionista throughout life, she will always be remembered for bringing her glamorous and adventuresome head-to-toe style to every occasion. Gay’s spectacular, award-winning gardens brought beauty to her lucky neighbors and all who passed by. To know her was to love her and to reap the depth of her caring and giving was truly a gift.

Funeral Mass was held on December 22, 2022, at St Joan of Arc Church, 9248 Lawndale Avenue, Evanston, IL 60203.