Barbara Jean Petrakis

Barbara Jean Petrakis, 70, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Barb was born on October 24, 1951, in Peoria to Calvin and Shirley (Hodge) White. She was an intelligent, carefree, dark-haired beauty with a compassionate spirit who longed for adventure. In her youth, she shared many adventures with her older sister Carlene and her younger brother Alan (whom she lovingly called Albert) as they made memories that would last a lifetime. She graduated from Manual High School in 1969. As a young adult, Barb knew with absolute certainty what her purpose was in life; she wanted to be a wife and mother. Her greatest adventure began the moment she met David. It was love at first sight. They were married on November 5, 1969 and were inseparable from that moment on. Together, they settled down in Bartonville and had three strong-willed, adventurous, and compassionate children: Greg, Jenny, and Krissy. Barb dedicated her life to raising her children with kindness and patience in a stable and loving home. From t-ball games, dance classes, cheerleading, homework, birthday parties, sewing Halloween costumes and being a Girl Scout troop leader to teaching resilience, fostering creativity, and emotionally supporting her children through every phase of their lives, Barbara worked tirelessly and selflessly to provide the best opportunities and the most memorable experiences for her children. She filled her home with sunshine, music, laughter, and the occasional random stray her children begged her to keep. Being the animal lover she was, there were always many pets in the home, most notably were her beagles: Maggie, Dusty, Abby, and Cooper. Her favorite memories were of the camping trips and vacations she took with her husband and children. She enjoyed shopping, manicures, sewing, baking Christmas cookies, and making her well-known potato salad and fruit salad. On top of being a homemaker, she ran a small seamstress business from home, working on anything from mending clothes to designing bridal gowns. Later in life, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, vacationing to Colorado and Alaska, sharing conversations and updates, and supporting them in any way possible. Barb was a courageous and gentle woman who would lend an ear to listen without judgment or a shoulder to cry on to anyone who needed it. She had a smile that lit up the room. She was the warmth and heart of her family. Her ability to recall memories throughout her life was a great joy to her children and grandchildren, and each of these memories have been recorded for her family to keep and treasure for years to come. She will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her. Barb is survived by her children, Greg Petrakis, Jenny (Mike) Downes, and Krissy (Ben) Short; eight grandchildren, Anthony (Wanda) Stewart, Rachel Petrakis, Ryan Petrakis, Lexie Downes, Branden Short, Conner Short, Emily Downes, and Sophia Short; her siblings, Carlene Fickes and Alan (Norma) White; sisters-in-law, Debra Johnigk, Mari Doubet, and Gayla (Mike) Wascher; brothers-in-law, Daniel Petrakis and Pete Petrakis; numerous nieces and nephews; friends and neighbors; and her favorite companion, her beagle, Cooper. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, David Petrakis; and one great-granddaughter, Alivia Brooks. Cremation Rites have been accorded. You may create an online condolence at www.schmidthaller.com for the family. Memorials may be made to Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS), 2600 NE Perry Ave, Peoria, IL 61603. A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Timberlake Country Club, 5501 W Farmington Rd, Peoria, IL 61604. Previous Events Celebration of Life NOV 13. 2:00 PM (CT) Timberlake Club of Peoria 5501 W Farmington Road Peoria, IL 61604 http://www.timberlakeclub.com/

Barbara Jean Petrakis

October 24, 1951 - October 22, 2022