Born on January 10th, 1952, in the town of Machghara, in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon, she eventually became a US citizen, and remained a resident of Fairlawn, Ohio for over fifty years.
When she was seventeen, while at the top of her class studying to become a teacher, Bahia Barake married Fariz Nemr and moved from Lebanon to the United States. Together they raised three children while operating Thursday’s Lounge, a popular college nightspot next to the University of Akron, for close to forty years. Regulars knew “Barb” would always welcome them with open arms and sharp wit. Her easy laugh and heart-felt conversation kept customers coming back for decades.
Strong and true to her Maronite Catholic faith, Bahia was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Cedars Church and volunteered countless hours baking cookies for parish events. She loved cooking and spending time with her children and grandchildren. While not cooking - rare to be sure! - Bahia enjoyed visiting the local casino with close friends and was always ready to embark upon road trips with friends and family.
Bahia was preceded in death by her father, Youseff Barake; her mother, Olga Aboudi Barake; and her husband, Fariz Nemr. Bahia is survived by her daughter Monique Binkley (Michael); her sons Mark Nemr (Elsy) and Mario Nemr (Tiffany); her nine grandchildren: Jacob, Jacqueline, and Jason Binkley; Freddie, Nicholas, Christian, and Natalie Nemr; Vincent and Jane Nemr; as well as her siblings Nicholas Barake, Nazam Barake, Lily AboKhalil, Mike Barake, and Dalal Karam. Not to mention countless beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 W Market St, Akron, Ohio 44333 on June 14th, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Church, 507 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333 on June 15th, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Committal will take place at Rose Hill Burial Park on June 15th, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. A mercy meal for friends and family following the burial ceremony will be at Our Lady of Cedars Banquet Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to American Cancer Society by visiting https://donate.cancer.org/ or making checks out to American Cancer Society. Donations can also be made to Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Church 507 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Fairlawn, OH 44333.
