Barbara Creque, born December 1, 1938, on St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in The Villages, Florida, where she had resided since 1999. She lived a life defined by strength, service, faith, determination, and unwavering devotion to family and community.
Barbara was the eldest of three sisters, born to Frank and Alda Creque, and raised in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, where she developed a strong sense of responsibility, independence, and pride in her roots. From an early age, she showed determination and ambition—qualities that shaped every chapter of her life.
In 1959, Barbara graduated from St. Peter and Paul Catholic School and that same year, driven by a desire to serve and forge her own path, she joined the United States Marine Corps. Though her mother worried—as any loving parent would—Barbara’s determination did not waiver.
From 1959 to 1961, Barbara proudly served as a U.S. Marine, completing basic training at Parris Island and spending most of her Marine career stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. At a time when few women served, her commitment reflected courage, discipline, and resilience.
After her honorable discharge, Barbara returned to St. Thomas, where she married Frank LeCuyer and raised their three children—who were the center of her world. In 1971, Barbara’s entrepreneurial spirit took shape when her and her husband Frank, established Frank’s Lock and Key in St. Thomas. Through hard work, integrity, and perseverance, the business grew into a trusted cornerstone of the community. Today, it remains the only full-service locksmith shop in St. Thomas, celebrating 55 years of continuous operation, with all three of her children still actively involved.
Throughout her life, Barbara lived in California, New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, and Tennessee, and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, embracing new places while remaining deeply connected to her island home.
A woman of deep faith and love for music, Barbara was a devoted member of the choir at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St Thomas and St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in The Villages, where singing became both her joy and her prayer. One of the great honors of her life was performing with her St. Timothy’s choir at the Vatican in Rome, an experience she cherished deeply.
Barbara continued her lifelong commitment to service as a member of the Tri-County WomenVeterans Honor Guard, proudly honoring fellow veterans and continuing to serve her community with dignity and respect.Before Alzheimer’s became part of her journey, Barbara was known for her steady presence, quiet humor, strong work ethic, and deep love for family. As the disease progressed, it changed her memories but never her essence. Even when words faded, love remained. In gentle gestures—a squeeze of the hand, a peaceful smile—Barbara reminded those around her that
connection lives deeper than memory.
Barbara is survived by her children, Annette Cordero (Luis) , Francis LeCuyer II and Julia Vargas (Celso); her five beloved grandchildren—Kenneth Cordero, Alec Cordero, Gabriela Vargas, Samantha LeCuyer, and James LeCuyer; and her loving sister, Betty Kilgore. She was predeceased by her sister, Emily Holman.
She will be remembered for the life she lived, the courage she embodied, the business she built, and the love she gave so freely.
Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.