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Aubrey Barker Obituary
Aubrey
Caitlin Barker
SPRINGFIELD - Aubrey Caitlin Barker, 26, of Springfield, IL, formerly of Havana, IL, died at approximately 12:30 pm on Monday, September 12,2011. She died as a result of a traffic fatality at the intersection of Jefferson and Bruns Lane in Springfield.
Caitie, which was what everyone called her, was born on January 17, 1985 to Colin and Shirley (Schmidt) Barker in Canton, IL. She is survived by her partner Patti Silva.
Also surviving are her father Colin Barker of Havana; grandmother Mary Schmidt of Havana; two nephews Silas and Elijah Barker of Astoria; three aunts, Cheryl Vanlandingham of Washington, Helen (Dominic) Dalpoas of Lincoln, and Carol Schmidt of Havana; two uncles David (Cheryl) Schmidt of Enumclaw, Washington and Richard Schmidt of Havana; extended family of Daren and Becky Silva, DJ Silva, Jessica, Jeremy, Parker, and Eva Bonnett, Sam Silva and Ashley Miller; and too many friends and supporters to mention.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Schmidt Barker, brothers, Gabriel and Zachary Barker, grandfathers Cap Schmidt and Vance Barker and paternal grandmother Mable Barker.
Caitie attended Lincoln Land Community College's Culinary School. She was a chef at LaSorella restaurant in Springfield and was hired to create and manage the Springfield Supportive Living's food service department. She also taught culinary classes at LLCC's Culinary School.
Caitie and Patti started renovating the old St. Nicholas Hotel's dining and kitchen area in the summer of 2007. "Caitie Girl's" restaurant was opened for business in December 2007. Her cuisine was eclectic and billed as "gourmet comfort food". She was famous for her mac-n-cheese and horseshoes. She was given numerous awards for her culinary creativity, the most recent being Springfield's "New and Emerging Business" award.
Visitation will be held at the Hurley Funeral Home in Havana from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 16, 2011. A memorial service in Springfield is pending and will be announced later. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the "Educational Fund" for Caitie's nephews Silas and Eli's educational needs, at The Havana National Bank. Online memorial messages may be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Aubrey Barker
Angela Hibbs
September 25, 2011
Caitie,i am looking forward to tasting your food on the other side!God Bless You!
mary gorbett
September 25, 2011
i have one hope. that there is someone that will keep caiti's dream alive for her. i would wish that Caiti Girls will survive
And her dream doesn't fade away. it ment so much to her. it would be a shame to let it just fade away.
i realize it was caiti that made it caiti girls but i know caiti would still watch over and guide who ever jumped in and fulfilled her dream restaurant.
don't let her dream get lost.
morgan
September 24, 2011
your restuarnt was an amazing place. loved how unique it was, may you rest in peace
Danielle Barker
September 20, 2011
I never thanked Caitie enough for all the wonderful memories she gave her nephews, Silas and Elijah Barker. The cookie birthday cakes, video games, and all the fun places you took the boys will be memories they will keep a life time. You will always be loved by your family and everyone that had the opportunity to meet you.
JEAP
September 19, 2011
We will forever remember the good times, great food and eclectic decor at Catie Girls celebrating birthdays and friendship. Deepest sympathy to all.
Lindy Bair
September 19, 2011
Patti-- Just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you and so sorry for your loss. This world is very small; I have Caitie's nephew Elijah (Deeter) in my class this year and have spent a great deal of time with Silas-- they're great little boys. There really are no words for times like these.... please know old friends haven't forgot you...
Kalyn Lambert
September 19, 2011
My heart goes out to Patti, and the rest of Caitie's family and friends. I mourn your loss.
In sympathy and friendship,
Patricia Hall
September 18, 2011
You will truely be missed Caitie...you gave me some wonderful cooking advice whenever I was trying to make a special dinner for my bf. You were just a phone call away. You will be greatly missed.
D Sharp
September 18, 2011
I just got off the phone with my Mom and she spent 1/2 hour talking about her great friend who passed away tragically. Mom works at Sam's and Caitie came through her line every day. Mom talked about Caitie's energy and smile; she thought the world of her friend Caitie. Caitie thought my mom needed to work days and always be there when she came through. When Sam's changed her hours, Caitie filled out a comment card every day saying my mom was the best and needed to be there during the busy time of the day. Thank you Caitie, for being a friend to my mom and making her happy on a daily basis. Mom will miss you...
Kim Huffman
September 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
John Dale & Ronee Kennedy
September 18, 2011
Our sympathies go out to family and friends who mourn Caitie's much too early passing. We will miss you and of course your creative talents.
Wendy Barney
September 17, 2011
Amazing person, wonderful chef....taken too soon and will be greatly missed by many. Thoughts and prayers go out to her partner, family and friends. RIP Caitie.
Ron Willey
September 17, 2011
Thank you Caitie for the energy and creativity you brought to our community. You were taken much too soon, sadly. My heart goes out to you Patti and all family members. We will always remember you.
Donna Fuller
September 17, 2011
Caitie,You were a beautiful and very talented lady. You leave a void in a lot of peoples hearts and will always be remembered for your kindness and knack for creating delightful foods which I was so lucky to have experienced numerous times You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Gregory Kramer
September 17, 2011
A soul taken away from us too early. You will be deeply missed and your memory and legacy will live on. I loved your food and you wonderfully creative dishes. You touched many hearts ans stomachs. I will miss you forever Caitie Girl !
Anonymous
September 16, 2011
How tragic! My sis-in-law lived at SSL and loved the food. I had dinner with her several times and found it very enjoyable. I am sorry for the loss as she will be missed by so many.
James
September 16, 2011
The world is a lesser place without her.
Linda
September 16, 2011
Wonderful talent, tragic loss. I'll forever miss your mac n cheese!
September 16, 2011
God bless her family.
Kathy Homa
September 16, 2011
She was so nice to my mother when she lived at Supportive Living. She made her anything she wanted for her birthday dinner (and did the same for other resident's birthdays). Mom had a veal cutlet and really enjoyed it. She tried to make good food for the residents. She was a nice person.
Grace McCann
September 16, 2011
I will remember Caitie's deep, joyful laugh, her beautiful radient smile, ~ "It's all Good". May the joy within Caitie's heart comfort Patti, & Caitie's families. She will live on in our hearts & minds. Pax.
Eric Kuchar
September 16, 2011
Patti's and Caitie's families are in our thoughts and prayers. She was the best chef in Springfield, hands down. She will be missed by so many people.
Doug and I made a point to eat at Caitie Girls at least once a month, and we will miss her smile and her great food.
May she rest in peace.
Eric and Doug
Mary Ann
September 16, 2011
To those close to Caitie, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of tragic loss. Peace be with you.
Kendra, Daniel & Ben Moses
September 16, 2011
Patti, family and friends,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Caitie had amazing talent, ambition and creativity.
Please know that you're in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy
September 15, 2011
Caring thoughts to all that knew n loved this awesome girl. Im saddened I didn't have the honor to know her personally.
Martha
September 15, 2011
I never had the opportunity to meet Caitie, but watched her progress in the community and restaurant business through newspaper articles and her appearances on WICS. I was always interested in her unique recipes. What a tragedy that she was taken from this earth so soon. She has left her mark on Springfield and will be remembered by so many. My heartfelt prayers go out to Patti and Caitie's family and to her many friends and associates. The world has lost an incredibly creative and gracious person.
Shawn Braley
September 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Patti, family & friends. Caitie was one of a kind. A culinary rock star! I as well as Springfield will miss her passion for life & food. RIP Caitie girl....
Gayle
September 15, 2011
After reading the beautiful story of Caite, I feel I miss out on knowing her or tasting her culinary skills. Please accept my condolences on her loss.
September 15, 2011
Dear Friends and Family of Caitie,
Just a little story to once again let you know of the kind heart that your Caitie had....I work at a local private school here in Springfield and we have an auction every year to raise money for our school. I remember having a girls night out last Spring and we went to Catie Girls to eat and drink. Our auction was no stranger to Caitie and after we got our drinks, our Development Director saw Caitie and asked her once again if she would donate to our auction. Our Development Director didn't even have the words out of her mouth and Caitie was behind the bar filling out a voucher for us from her restaurant. There was no hesitation or questions. It was like she was proud to be part of our auction and part of our school community. A lot of places turn us away, but no, not Caitie. She was all about community, family and friends. She was a friend to all and if you ever came in touch with her, you were touched by an angel. Thank you Caitie for believing in the kids at our school and thank you for your kindnesss. You will be missed by many, but never forgotten by all.
God's Peace be yours, Johna Keen
A fan
September 15, 2011
We loved watching Caitie on News Channel 20. She had the best segments. Loved the recipes and her personality came thru the TV. She will be greatly missed.
Sharon Brown
September 15, 2011
I never met Caitie but enjoyed her demonstrations on WICS. Every time she was on the show she had a big smile on her face. I am so sorry for the unfortunate accident that took the life of this young lady who had her whole life ahead of her. What an accomplishment to have her own business and only be 26. Springfield will suffer from this loss. GOD BLESS AND REST IN PEACE CAITIE!!!
In Respect
September 15, 2011
I didn't have the privilege of knowing this woman but after reading all the posts and blogs about her, I truly wish I had known her. She was clearly an amazing person blessed with great talent and a heart of gold. It makes me sad for our city that we have lost such a great young woman. I am keeping her family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. Sometimes there really are no words when the loss is this sad.
natasha mccray
September 15, 2011
my prayers are with caitie's partner and family. caitie will be SO missed. caitie girl's was one of my fav restaurants. s-field will be taking a step or two back into the days of stuffy, conservative cuisine without her. she brought s-field out of the dark and into the light with innovative and dynamic culinary delights. i was there last week and i told my server to tell her that she is the "queen of springfield cuisine". the angels are smiling if caitie is cooking. r.i.p. caitie
Someone in awe
September 15, 2011
Caitie's friends and family must be very proud to read and hear what an impact she had on the lives of so many people at such a young age. God Bless!
Samantha Williams
September 15, 2011
R.I .P ... may God bless the family during this time
A city resident
September 15, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the family on this tragic loss.
Springfield was lucky to have Caitie.
Cindy Parkhill(a customer)
September 15, 2011
My deepest sympathies to Caitie's family and friends. What a tragic loss of such a talented young women. I was always so impressed by her dream, drive, talent, and hard work that lead to her successful restaurant. I loved bringing out-of-town guests to "Caitie Girl's". She will be truly missed.
Vera and Dan Mount
September 15, 2011
My husband and I along with good friends became fast fans and ambassadors of Caitie Girls and the entire staff when she first opened. We had set a goal to eat our way through the menu.... It was SO delicious, but we had to cut back to occasional treats when I had made a committment to Weight Watchers! We are saddened by this huge loss for her family, friends,staff, and for Patty, her partner in life.
Angela Kinsel
September 15, 2011
Rest in Peace....
Jodie Dorworth-Suter
September 15, 2011
i am deeply sorry for your loss as well as the community, she was a wonderful person who had a heart of gold. i was very priviledged to work with her at LaSorella`s and always enjoyed her upbeat attitude in the kitchen. my heart goes out to her entire family. God bless.
friend from high school.
September 15, 2011
Just like your mother, always so cheerful and there to lend a hand. Your time was cut short here and now all we're left with is a memory. I'll never forget your humor in mrs. craigs class, your smile could brighten anyone's day, let alone your humor :) I knew how much you LOVED to cook & I am glad to know you accomplished your dream... May you sleep with the angels & your memory live on. sending big hugs to your family ...
Ashley
September 15, 2011
* Heaven will have an amazing cook * RIP Caitie
Mike Hatfill
September 15, 2011
I will always remember Caitie's humor and her kindness. I never went to Caitie Girls when she didn't make sure I was happy. This town will never be the same. I will miss you Caitie. God bless the family and close friends. I will miss that mac and cheese!
Lime Street
September 15, 2011
God Bless
Pattie Colby Lime St. Cafe
September 15, 2011
Just have to say how sorry all of us in the restaurant community are. The passing of such a great Chef and person at such a young age is a tragic loss..R.I.P.
Brenda Lowe
September 15, 2011
I first met Caitie when she came into County Market to buy patio tables for her restaurant. You could immediately tell she had a heart of gold. Everytime she saw me after that, she always had a friendly smile and was quick to say hi. She will truly be missed.
STEVE HALFORD & JODY SENNNGS
September 15, 2011
We was sad to hear the news of Caitie's
passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. GOD BLESS-
all of us at Steam Power
Jesse Shanks
September 15, 2011
I never ate at Catie's place nor did I meet her., but I respected her for fullfilling her dream and opening the resterant and making it such a success in such a short time. I have cooked for alot of different Chefs, and always wanted to meet her. Sounds like she was a great person. My sympathy goes out to her Partner and Family.
Connie
September 15, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
lynae redpath
September 15, 2011
Sorry for your loss.
Carrie Jacobs
September 15, 2011
The tragic loss of a loved one is never easy. Just try to remember all the wonderful ways that Caitie touched your lives. She would have wanted that. May God bless and keep each of you close as you move forward with your lives.
TONNA & STEVEN FLATT
September 15, 2011
OUR FAMILY PRAYS FOR ALL OF YOU. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO PATTI AND CAITLIN'S WONDERFUL STAFF. WE ENJOYED CAITIE GIRLS RESTAURANT. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AMAZED AT CAITLIN'S ACHIEVEMENTS. A YOUNG GIRL WITH A WONDERFUL DREAM,YOU MADE US ALL BELIEVE DREAMS DO COME TRUE, WITH HARD WORK. YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED.
FOREVER IN PEACE.
STEVEN & TONNA FLATT
Caring Stranger
September 15, 2011
I have never eaten at the restaurant nor have I ever met Caitie but from this tragic loss, I know she will be deeply missed by many. She obviously lived a very impressive life and has touched many people's hearts. My sympathy to her partner and all her family and friends. May she rest in peace and be with you during this difficult time.
Keith Allen
September 15, 2011
I am sorry for your loss, may God give you peace and understanding in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Call Keith & Family
A Fan
September 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those that loved you and will miss you terribly.
September 15, 2011
You lived, loved and realized more dreams in your short 26 years than most will in 80. We will miss you, Caitie Girl.
Mary Gorbett
September 15, 2011
I never really met Caiti. But everytime I saw her she had a beautiful smile. that's what I will remember. I regret not knowing her.
My heart goes out to Patti , Caiti's family. And all who's lives she touched.
God bless you all.
friends
September 15, 2011
You are free to fly.
Tracey Dobson
September 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to your familiy and friends.
September 15, 2011
You will be greatly missed by your Springfield Customers and your staff and Your family..
Vicky Freeman
September 15, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort
Angela Hibbs
September 15, 2011
RIP Caitie
Tiffany Drew
September 15, 2011
I'm sorry for your loss
Rhonda Riley
September 15, 2011
My deepest sympathies to Caitie's family and friends.
While the lights are dimmed here on earth, there is another brightly shining star in the heavens.....
mary gorbett
September 15, 2011
i never met caiti. but ate at her restaurant and one of the things i'll remember most is her smile. no one had a unkind or negative word to say about her. i regret not meeting her. my heart goes out to patti and her family.
Kim
September 15, 2011
Caitie thank you for your love of food. I was lucky enough to enjoy special dates with my girlfriend every few months. Your place is special to us as I took her to your restuarant for our first dinner date. You will truly be missed. Not only by your friends and family but your community. A life taken much to soon, rest in peace Caitie Girl and thoughts and prayers are with your family
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