Cecily Jeanne Barker, 81

Cecily Jeanne Barker, 81, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2023, at her home with family and friends by her side.

Cecily was born in Roseau, MN, on February 28, 1942, to Cecil and Joyce (Jensen) Williams. Cecily graduated from Baudette High School in 1960. She attended the University of St. Scholastica in Duluth, the University of Minnesota, and Bemidji State University. She graduated with a teaching degree in social studies and a minor in art. She later attended more schooling in Illinois and Missouri and became a social worker for many years before going on to receive her RN in nursing. Cecily married Larry Barker at Sacred Heart Church on August 23, 1964. They were blessed with their beautiful daughter, Sarah. Although Cecily and Larry divorced sometime later, they remained friends, and Larry, Teresa, and their sons, Charles and Elia, welcomed Cecily into their home on many occasions.

Cecily was a strong, intelligent, compassionate woman. She cared deeply for children and adults with unique needs. Throughout her life, her careers included teaching briefly, working in the area of social work at various institutions in Illinois and St. Louis, becoming a probation officer in Brooklyn, New York, and working as a registered nurse at Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, before becoming a private nurse later in her career life. She only recently retired from nursing about two years ago.

Cecily was also a strong and fearless voice for animals! She has loved them deeply all of her life, starting from a very young age. She bred, raised, and showed Irish Setters, even once showing a dog at the famed “Westminster” dog show. Later in her life, she became very involved in the rescue of animals, mostly dogs. She would attend auctions and buy dogs that no one else wanted and bring them home and work tirelessly finding a good home for them. If she couldn’t find a home, they would take up residence with her. She once ended up with seven Irish setters that she transported home in her Jeep Cherokee, taking care of them until she found homes for them. At the time of her death, Monkey and Penny, two rescued Miniature Pinchers, were resting on her bed with her. She also leaves behind a horse named Tango. Many of her friendships were developed with people in the dog world and she will be greatly missed by these close friends.

Cecily was also an avid reader from a very young age. The local librarian once called her mom, concerned about the books she was checking out and if they were appropriate for Cecily to read. Her mother assured her it was okay. Cecily also took a firm stance on our nation’s issues and spoke up for what she felt was right. She was the perfect mix of sweet and fierce.

Cecily is survived by her daughter, Sarah Barker Villmer, (John) Grandchildren, Josephine, Jonathan, Camille, and Georgia; a brother, John Bryn Williams; and a sister Gretchen Thompson (Jim). A niece, Virginia Dailey Lee (Jeremiah), one great niece, Sloane, two step-nephews, Jason and Justin Thompson, and special friend, Zach. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Cecil and Joyce (Jensen) Williams, her grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.

A funeral will take place at First Unitarian Church, 5007 Waterman Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, on Thursday, March 16. The visitation will be at 2:00, with the service following at 3:00. A celebration of life will also take place in her hometown of Baudette, MN, this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the Humane Society and Historical Society in Baudette.