Esther Barrett

Esther (Hayes Smith) Barrett, of Lake Forest, IL passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2012. "Itsy" was born on Jan. 7, 1926 to Raymond and Esther Hayes of Chicago, IL. She was the epitome of love, grace and courage and will forever remain the heart of her family and an example to us all. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Itsy grew up in the Ravinia area of Highland Park and attended Highland Park High School. She graduated with a degree in journalism from Northwestern University and was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. Itsy was married from 1949 to 1973 to Chase M. Smith Jr. They raised their family of four children in Highland Park, Deerfield and Kenilworth, IL. Itsy enjoyed creating a beautiful home for her family where she and Chase entertained often for many years. Itsy and Chase belonged to Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park for many years. Itsy had a successful career in real estate sales on the North Shore and was active in several charity organizations. Itsy married husband Arthur "Mac" M. Barrett in 1990. They resided at his home on Merritt Lane in Lake Forest for many years and later moved to Lake Forest Place. Itsy is survived by her brother Raymond Hayes Jr. of Lake Forest; her four children, Craig McKenzie Smith of Inverness, IL, Tracey Smith Anderson of Scottsdale, AZ, Chase McKenzie Smith III of Petaluma, CA, Heather Hayes Hakanen of Granger, IN: her grandchildren, Bradley Anderson, Cory Hakanen, Paige Smith, Kyle Hakanen and Chase Smith IV "Chip". Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Wenban Funeral Home , 320 E. Vine Ave., Lake Forest (847 234-0022). Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 25 also at Wenban Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are sent to the Alzheimer's Association.