Barbara J. Roake (nee Harris), daughter of the late Herbert and Esther Harris, beloved wife of the late Stephen A. Roake, Jr. loving mom of Stephen (Theresa) A. Roake III, Corinne (Thomas) J. Skweres, and James M. Roake. Proud grandmother of Stephen (Jennifer) Roake IV, Christopher (Megan) C. Roake, Brian M. Roake, Nicholas (Michelle) A. Skweres, Brandon (Rachel) T. Skweres, S. Andrew (Marissa) Skweres, Elizabeth (Tyler) A. Roberts, David (Kera) W. Roake and Michael P. Roake. Proud great-grandmother of Gillian Roake, Paris Roake, Jacob Roake, Lucas Roake, Matthew Roake, William Skweres, Jack Skweres, Connor Skweres, Blake Skweres, Charlie Skweres and Declan Roberts.
Barbara was born and raised in New York. She was married after the war in 1946 and lived in Yonkers, New York for six years before moving to New Milford, New Jersey. In 1959, they moved to Lisle, Illinois, where she lived until her passing.
Barbara was active in many organizations during her lifetime. This volunteerism began when she worked with the American Red Cross during World War II. She was instrumental in founding the Lisle Woman’s Club. She served in many capacities during her fifty years with the Club, including as their President. During her tenure, she was fundamental in establishing the Lisle Library, where she served as a trustee for 30 years. Barbara was also the liaison between New York and Chicago for the American Field Service (AFS), student foreign exchange program where she was also host to a high school student from Sweden. Her experiences with AFS led to her employment with the College of DuPage in the Travel and Tourism Department.
Above all, Barbara was a devoted mother and homemaker, who enjoyed reading, gardening and playing bridge with her dear friends. She will be missed by many friends and especially by her family.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 4-7pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home (5015 Lincoln Ave. Lisle, IL). A Chapel Service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 10am at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home (5015 Lincoln Ave. Lisle, IL). Interment Clarendon Hills Cemetery (Darien, IL). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lisle Public Library (630) 971-1675 would be appreciated. For more info call 630-964-9392.
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