Kara L. Hay

Born on August 1, 1970, in Park Ridge, IL, she was the cherished daughter of Allan and Dorothy (nee Dilgard) Barker. She grew up in a family who supported her love for sports (badminton, tennis, and cheerleading), passion for horses, and playing dress up with her sisters.

With a gentle heart and a free spirit, Kara found happiness in the company of horses, her cats, and the peace beneath the open skies. She enjoyed traveling and enjoyed the calming nature of being near the ocean of St Croix where she became certified as a diver. May she now be surrounded by the beauty and freedom she loved.

Kara built a strong and nurturing family dynamic by supporting and encouraging her children to pursue their passions. As a devoted mother, she filled her children’s lives with compassion, music, and love for animals. She is lovingly remembered by her children Allan Hay, Kimmy (Kyle) McHugh, and Derek (Jill) Hay.

Kara excelled professionally, working at Northwest Community Hospital, as an ultrasound technologist. She continued to grow her skillset with the completion of multiple certifications post-grad to better serve her patients and build more connections within the community.

She was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy Barker.

Kara is survived by her beloved children, Allan Hay, Kimmy (Kyle) McHugh, and Derek (Jill) Hay; partner Richard Schaedler Stary; former spouse and father of their children James Hay; dear father, Allan Barker; loving siblings, Ellen (James Poole) Steckbar, Nancy Storm, and Donald Barker; fond nieces and nephews, Chris (Irene) Steckbar, Kristen (Jake) Cavanaugh, Brett Steckbar, Matthew Steckbar, Patrick Storm, Andrew Storm, Eric (Sydney) Storm, and Michelle Storm; grandchildren, Kinley Hay, Teagan Hay, Declan Hay, and Landon Hay; great-niece and great-nephew, Scarlet Steckbar and Logan Steckbar. Kara will also be greatly missed by her many friends, whose lives were enriched by her kindness, and warmth. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please contact Kimmy McHugh for more information. Email: [email protected]

https://gofund.me/0aa7dec92

A celebration of life will be held August 1st, 2026.