Obituary of Barbara Ann Garay

Barbara “Punkin” Ann Garay was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was called home after a brief illness on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at the age of 69.

Barbara was born to Willie Mae Love and John Love Sr. on April 19, 1953 in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and was the fourth child of six. Barbara, along with her siblings, grew up in Rochester, N.Y. where she attended School #4, Madison High School, Benjamin Franklin High School. Although she thrived at Charlotte High School, she left before graduation due to the racial discrimination she faced as part of the first group of Black students to integrate. After celebrating the birth of her first child, Barbara became employed by General Motors at Rochester Products and later returned to school to obtain her GED and Business Certification from Rochester Business Institute.

In 1987, Barbara married James “JW” Wilson Jr. and from that union they were blessed with two children. After the passing of her first husband, Barbara sprinted into entrepreneurship, and opened 695 Food Express which employed many family members and friends.

Barbara married Eduardo Garay in 1990 and retired from General Motors in 1996 to enjoy time with her first grandchild. After retirement Barbara loved operating her restaurant and food truck. She enjoyed spending her time with her family; children, grandchildren and friends. She liked traveling, hosting events, helping others and spreading her light by making people laugh. She was stylish and had a flair for fashion. Barbara loved cooking and would showcase her food and hospitality. She loved watching Wendy Williams, Judge Judy, Steve Wilkos and Sisters and always found a reason to shop and showcase her hair.  

Our beloved Barbara (Punkin) departed this life while at her daughter’s home in Rochester, N.Y. knowing she was loved. Barbara is predeceased by her parents; mother-in-law, Anna Cruz; and brother, John Love Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Eduardo Garay; three children, Patrecia McClain (Sean), Jamesha Wilson (Rick Jackson), Lakisha Taylor (Chris), and step daughter, Jamie Stokes (Jerone, deceased); four best friends also known as her grandchildren, Lorenzo “Snoogies” Carter Jr, Kylah “Kidi-codi” Session, Kamryn “Kami-Kam” Rowe, Christopher “CJ” Taylor Jr, Nate and Jasmine Stokes. She also leaves behind her siblings, Norma Hull (William, deceased), James Love, Maxine Wallace (Ronnie, deceased) and Eileen Love; sister-in-law, Anna Correa; brother-in-law, Edwin Correa; bonus children Gerlander McCauley, Deidra Braswell and Visamak Eang; close friends made into family, Sandra Martin, April Williams, Brenda Bradberry, Cathy Love and Martha Robinson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memories of her life will live on in her family, our “Angel on earth” will truly be missed.