Add a Memory
Plant Trees
Make a Donation
Carla Willis Obituary
Carla Y. Willis, PhD, wife of Gregg R. Baker. Mother of Dalia, Ilana and Shira Baker. Daughter of Yolanda Avram Willis, PhD and the late Richard H. Willis, PhD. Daughter-in-law of Sorelle Baker an the late Paul L. Baker, MD and sister, sister-in-law, stepsister and caring relative to several. Served as longtime Principal Economist of the American Medical Association. Played a key role in the development of the historic consensus reform proposal by the Health Coverage Coalition. Carla battled an aggressive stage-four small cell cancer, and used her treatment as a means to increase knowledge of this rare form of cancer. Carla was lovingly referred to as the "Mayor of Evanston" for her warm, caring, joyful and outgoing nature as well as her love of community. An opportunity to grieve her loss, and celebrate her life and enduring values will take place on Thursday, February 22 at 11AM at Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC), 303 Dodge Ave, Evanston. Interment Memorial Park, Skokie. Shiva at JRC will follow the burial. A scholarship is being set up in her memory to support rigorous social science research to understand the root causes of gun violence. Scholarship details to follow within the coming year. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Fran Landt
February 15, 2021
I mostly knew Carla through teaching the two younger girls at JRC. She and Gregg would both come to class any time I invited parents to join their children for sharing and learning. It was always a joy to see the love she had for her family, and her smiling face. Since Carla's been gone, I've learned so much more about her through Gregg, who has shared so many stories about the amazing person she was. I wish I'd known her better.
Kirsti MacPherson
February 15, 2020
I still miss Carla and think about her a lot...when I read something interesting about economics or politics, when I see a funny T-shirt slogan, and when I walk past Dozika and think about seeing her there when she was eating with Dahlia and three other kindergarteners who were having a very intense conversation.
November 17, 2018
Carla was my RA and neighbor my freshmen year at Oberlin. I can remember her grace and warmth as if it was yesterday. I am so sad for her family.
-Phil Kassen
Amy Friedman
March 18, 2018
Condolences. I'm an Allderdice classmate, and I remember Carla from our feminist, humanist, organizing, activist teen years. Carla was also a spectacular friend, and a great person with whom to survive adolescence. I am so sorry for your loss, and wish you peace as you walk the road of grief.
How you can show support
Jennifer Dao
February 28, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are to everyone in this beautiful family.
Reeshemay Bennett
February 27, 2018
She had a beautiful smile & personality to match. My thoughts and prayers are with the Willis/Gregg family: Gregg, Ilana, Dalia, Shira and Hugo.
Samantha Vernon
February 27, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother/wife was an amazing woman and I feel privileged to have gotten to know her via osmosis of knowing Shira. I know you will miss her deeply. Ill be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
julianne Pacheco
February 27, 2018
She will be dearly missed.
My love goes out to Carla's Family and friends.
Jennifer Roland
February 27, 2018
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. May GOD bestow strength and peace upon your family as you go through this difficult time.
Demetra Stratakos
February 26, 2018
My deepest sympathies to Shira and the Baker/Willis family. Sending your family strength, courage, patience, and love! Nichols sends its prayers to all of you! May her memory be eternal!
Carah Ferrill
February 26, 2018
I share my sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences with the Willis/Baker family. Such a lovely family, all of our hearts are with you.
Lisa Montgomery
February 26, 2018
I am so very sorry for the loss of Carla. Having taught her daughters, I know she imbued in them a love of learning, compassion for others, and a determination to be steadfast and true. My deepest sympathies to all her family. Sending God's peace and love.
McKenna Howe
February 26, 2018
My deepest sympathies go to the entire Willis/Baker family. Carla poured her heart and soul into her family and was one of the most caring, positive, and supportive parents I have had the pleasure to work with. Gregg, Dalia, Ilana, and Shira- you all are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Kefira Philippe
February 26, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
MaryEllen Ryan
February 26, 2018
Carla will be remembered as a very intelligent , inspiring ,and loving person. I knew her as a teenager, and loved getting to know her again. Her love of family and community was tremendous. So very sorry for our loss.
Ferris Crane
February 24, 2018
My deepest and sincerest sympathies go to the entire Willis and Baker families. May Carla's soul reside in peace with G-d and may both watch over all of you.
Chaya, a friend of Yolanda's in Pittsburgh
Sharon Barr
February 24, 2018
I met Carla the first week of freshman year at Oberlin. I was drawn to her confidence, warmth, and big smile. Weve been close friends since. I was thinking about what the rabbi said, that we all carry her soul with us now. I will always treasure my memories of her and the bit of her soul that I carry with me. Much love to Gregg and the girls and my heart is heavy with your loss.
Dennis Aubrey
February 24, 2018
Even across many miles, Carla was an inspiration to me. She had my highest regard and affection.
Brant Rosen
February 23, 2018
Carla was a special soul and I feel so blessed to have known her. Sending my love and prayers to Gregg, Ilana, Shira and Dahlia. Here memory will be a blessing.
Renu Garg
February 23, 2018
My heart and prayers to Gregg and his beautiful family.
Renu Garg
Gregg's Oberlin College and Northwestern University Classmate.
Lisa Redmond
February 22, 2018
Our family is very saddened by the loss of Carla. She was a great person to know and always had a smile on her face. Our kids went to school together and we watched them grow up. You will be missed!Lisa,Al,Talia & Ariel Redmond
Margaret Sents
February 22, 2018
Her concern for the safety of the school children in Niles and Skokie as she courageously opposed the permitting of a gun store near Niles West will forever be remembered by me.
Laura Williams
February 22, 2018
I was honored to know Carla through her work with People for a Safer Society. May her memory be a blessing to her family and friends.
Kathy Petty
February 21, 2018
I knew Carla at the American Medical Association and my best memory of Carla was her laugh. It was hearty and you knew that she truly was enjoying whatever made her laugh. She was a wonderful person and I wish prayers for your family during this most sad time.
Kathy Petty
Deborah Solomon
February 21, 2018
A truly beautiful human being, who did more than her share to change the world. I knew her slightly but her reverberations deeply. My heart is with all of those closest and who have lived through her fight with cancer. Special love to her partner & my forever friend Gregg.
N. Robert Willis
February 21, 2018
My sister, Carla, was a devoted family woman, scholar, activist, and career professional. She was well-liked and loved by a great many people. So many of us are so heartbroken. A moving outpouring of love was sent her way by so many people during her illness. That love for her is very much appreciated by those of us who mourn. I loved Carla so very much; she will be missed.
Kirsti MacPherson
February 21, 2018
Carla was an intelligent, fun person who radiated lovingkindness. I miss her so much already.
February 21, 2018
Carla the heavens has gain another bright shining star. Love you always and forever.
February 21, 2018
My sorrow, condolences and love to the entire family and all friends grieving Carla's loss. She was a loving, creative woman with an amazing family to carry on her legacy. May her memory be for a blessing.
February 21, 2018
My hear goes out to Gregg and his family.
Greggs 3rd grade teacher,
Shari Brown
Victor Perez
February 21, 2018
So sad to hear. The thoughts and prayers of the Perez Family goes out to Greg and the girls.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224
Make a Donation
in Carla Willis's name
How to support Carla's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Carla Willis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
