Barbara Elaine

Remekie

A woman who lived a life of service and caring for others, Barbara Elaine Wade Remekie entered eternal life  on Saturday, October 19, 2019. A God fearing Christian, and scholar, she was a champion of hope for those who needed support.  Barbara was born on May 31, 1934 to Gladys and Jacob in Hamwalk, St. Catherine, Jamaica.

Known affectionately as Sister Wade to many and Cutie to her peers and elders, she was an outstanding scholar in her community of Hamwalk. Passing her first, second and third year exams early, she was accepted to the prestigious Mico Teacher's College, now Mico University in Kingston. There she excelled, and graduated with honors making her the first in her family and community to graduate from college.

Barbara was loved and revered by both family and friends. She made everyone proud by her accomplishments and the dignity  which she lived her life. Furthermore,  she held a special place in everyone's heart due to her kindness and devotion to her family and friends.  Most importantly, she loved the Lord and  had a powerful, healthy and longstanding relationship with him. Barbara served as a member of the choir in all churches she attended.   In addition,  she  was an outstanding  educator in St. Mary, St. Thomas and St. Catherine where she was instrumental in the lives of hundreds of children.

Barbara migrated to the US in 1973 where she worked  for years as a domestic helper to get her permanent visa. As soon as she was successful, she filed for her mother, daughters, two sisters  and their children. Later, she worked for many years as librarian at Fiduciary Trust in the World Trade Center, New York City.  She retired after she was caught in the first bombing of the World Trade Center where she suffered smoke inhalation and was later diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a lung disease.

Sister Wade was happy being grandmother to her grand children but later found true love with a childhood friend Leon Remekie. They married in 1999 and moved to Florida  where they  lived  a comfortable lifestyle.  Leon was a deacon in church and she was instrumental on the choir. They held frequent gatherings at home where Leon played the piano and she sang. They made a great team and enjoyed their lives together.

When Barbara was diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer's, they moved to New Jersey where they lived with daughter, Patricia. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and infectious laughter but most of all her family will remember her as being a true pioneer, moving forward but always looking back to help others.  A true matriarch and a Queen.