Barbara Rose Plikaitis, a beacon of warmth and joy, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, at the age of 94, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Born on February 7, 1931, in Jersey City, New Jersey, she was the cherished daughter of the late Edward and Adele Burke. Her life was a testament to love, family, and the joy of friendship.
Barbara was the loving wife of 71 years to the late Joseph Julius Plikaitis. Their enduring love was the foundation upon which they built a family and a lifetime of memories. Together, they raised a family of strong, loving individuals: their children, Theresa Plikaitis, the late Joseph Plikaitis, Regina Plikaitis, and Christina (Pasquale Torres) Plikaitis, each of whom carried forward Barbara's spirit of compassion and strength.
As a loving mother, Barbara instilled in her children the values of kindness, resilience, and the importance of family. She was a proud grandmother to Jennifer Carwell, Jason Bedenkop, Thomas (Alyce Johnson) Sovcik, and Julia (Nick Clewell) Sovcik, and great-grandmother to Justin Bedenkop. Each of her grandchildren and her great-grandchild were touched by her love, wisdom, and the laughter she brought into their lives.
Barbara was a beloved sister, preceded in death by Helen (the late Edward) Gehn and William (the late Eva) Burke. She held the memories of her siblings close to her heart, cherishing the bond and legacy they shared.
Throughout her life, Barbara was the epitome of a social butterfly, her presence a source of light at gatherings and events. Her passion for life was evident in her love for cooking, especially her famous Lithuanian cuisine, which brought together friends and family around her table for unforgettable meals and stories. Her culinary talents will be remembered and cherished by all who were fortunate enough to experience them.
Barbara's zest for life extended beyond her kitchen. She was an active member of the Red Hat Society, where she formed lasting friendships and enjoyed many adventures with fellow members. Her love for travel took her to places far and wide, creating a tapestry of experiences that she loved to share with her loved ones upon her return.
A woman of faith and community, Barbara supported various organizations, including St. Benedict's Abbey and the Knights of Lithuania. Her involvement in these groups was not only a reflection of her heritage but also of her commitment to service and the betterment of her community.
Barbara Rose Plikaitis lived a life full of love, laughter, and the joy of connecting with others. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, yet her spirit will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. Her legacy is one of love, and it will continue to bloom in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come. Barbara's life was a journey well-traveled, and she has now found peace, leaving the world richer for her presence. Her memory will be a treasure held dear, a reminder of the beauty of a life well-lived.
Please join us to remember and celebrate a life well-lived. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL.
An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 12:30 PM until the time of mass at 1:30 PM at St. Edna Catholic Church, 2525 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
Private interment will take place at a later date at St Casimir Catholic Cemetery, Chicago, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saulute (link: https://sunlightchildrensaid.org/news/saulute-sends-96-300-in-aid-to-lithuania-in-2020/) or the Lithuanian World Center (link: https://www.lcenter.org/donate/ )
