Barbara Cruz Gelia, aged 82, passed away on September 02, 2019 with her devoted husband of 60 years, Antonio D. Gelia, by her side. She was born on December 04, 1936 in the Philippines and immigrated to the U.S. in 1970 with her four children, sons, Enrico and Noel and daughters, Victoria and Antonia, following her husband to live in New York City. They raised their children in Inwood, Manhattan, the South Bronx then settled in Queens Village, NY for the past 39 years. Her grown children have stayed in the area and sat vigil with her during her last days.
A talented hairstylist, Barbara was a salon owner in the Philippines before moving to the Big Apple. In New York, she developed an A-list clientele working her way up to Manhattan’s top salons of the era. She was known to be hard-working, generous and tough. Extremely loyal to her family, married to the love of her life and her only dance partner, she strived for a better life for them insuring their success.
Barbara also leaves behind her son-in-law, Thomas Feuerstake, daughter-in-laws, Joanna Wolinska-Gelia, Marijo Palaypay-Gelia and Lisa Petti-Gelia. She also leaves behind three grandchildren, Daniel Feuerstake, Kalina Gelia and Dylan Gelia. She has one surviving brother who resides in the Philippines and many relatives in different parts of the world who share in her loss.
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