Obituaries
1
tree
planted in memory of "Mary Kay" Barkley
Obituary for "Mary Kay" Barkley
Mary Catherine “Mary Kay” Barkley, age 87, passed away on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Grandview Alzheimer’s Special Care in Peoria, IL.
Mary Kay was born on November 1, 1933 in Princeton, IL, a daughter of Howard and Clara (Barto) Bell. She grew up on a farm outside of Bradford. She married Arnold “Jim” on November 24, 1956 at St. John’s Church in Bradford, IL. They were married for 65 years. He survives. Also surviving are two sons, Brian J. (Rebecca) Barkley and Bradley J. (Valerie) Barkley, both of Peoria, six grandchildren, Sarah (Ryan Tamburro), Patrick (Amanda), Jennifer, Matthew, Lucas and Benjamin, two great-grandchildren, Lily and Chloe. Mary Kay was preceded in death by her parents.
Mary Kay was a long time member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. She was teacher at Peoria Public Schools, and she partnered with her husband, Jim, at Peoria Crystal Ice Co and she was co-owner of Bill's Lemonade until 1996. She was a proud delegate for the 1976 Democratic Presidential National Convention.
She was a member of the Peoria Garden Club, the Catholic Women’s League, Red Hat Club and volunteered through the Salvation Army. She loved to play bridge, garden and growing her roses. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family, especially Christmas Eve, the Easter trips to Florida and fourth of July cookouts. Mary Kay and Jim enjoyed traveling with the family and took trips to Italy and Canada. They loved to winter in Long Boat Key, FL.
Mary Kay was a breast cancer survivor.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at St. Thomas Church in Peoria Heights, with a one hour prior visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Msgr. Jason Gray will officiate. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM at St. John Cemetery in Bradford, IL.
Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Church or Grade School or the OSF Heller Center for Kids.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or send condolences to www.wrightandsalmon.com
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
1
Jul
9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
St. Thomas Catholic Church
904 E Lake Ave
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Funeral Mass
Thursday
1
Jul
10:30 AM
St. Thomas Catholic Church
904 E Lake Ave
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
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