In Memoriam: Gloria Barker of Barker Specialty Co.

Barker Specialty Co., Cheshire, Conn., announced that Gloria Barker passed away on Oct. 22.

Gloria was born Charlotte Gloria Pick on March 14, 1929. Gloria lived a long and fulfilling life as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Also, Gloria was the mom to hundreds of people whom she employed.

Working for more than 60 years with her husband, Herbert, by her side, Gloria founded and ran many successful businesses, including Connecticut Remembrance Advertising and Novelty Company (Cranco), Superior Wholesale Gifts, Upham's Department Stores, Golden Skillet Fried Chicken, Barker Specialty Company, and, most recently, the Barker Animation Art Galleries.

Gloria was the youngest of three daughters of Maude and Rudolph Pick. Gloria grew up in Long Beach, N.Y., with her two sisters, Eleanor and Muriel. After graduating from Bryant College, Gloria met the love of her life, Herbert Barker, and they married during a blizzard on Dec. 19, 1947.

Gloria leaves beautiful memories for her children, Amy Barker, Gerry and Debbi Barker, Steven and Susan Barker, and Adrienne and Alan Anctil. Deeply missing their loving grandmother are Alivia Barker, Maxwell Barker, Harrison Barker, Sophia Barker, Alex and Corie Coleman, Samuel Coleman, Rudolph Barker, and Alanna Anctil. And missing her great-grandmother is Makeila Coleman. Also, there are numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws, and just so many friends who feel the loss. Gloria was also a loving companion to many pets, including her devotion for Lady Gwendolyn, Laddie, Barbie and Abby.

Gloria was a giver, and nothing made her happier than helping others. She was a member of many community boards and commissions, and was involved with numerous charitable organizations. One of Gloria's favorite comments was "I wish I had all the money in the world so that I can give it all away." Gloria and Herb dedicated countless hours supporting and donating to dozens of charities, including Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options, SOIL - Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods, The Boys and Girls Club, and Embrace Girls foundation, where she was able to create Glo's room for young girls.

Gloria and Herb were proud to donate artwork to various local nonprofits during an annual event called "Art From the Heart" in South Florida, and worked with both the Aventura Marketing Council and Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce.

It is impossible to abbreviate Gloria's remarkable life to just a few paragraphs. A book written by Cesar Becerra is currently in progress, so that those who knew her can share the many stories and hearts Gloria has touched in her lifetime.

Barker Specialty Co. would like to thank you your kind words and sharing of memories, and ask you to continue to spread the message of kindness and generosity in the memory of Gloria Pick Barker.