Gabriela B. Walke, a dedicated public servant and faithful community member of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 10, 2025, at Carle-Methodist Hospital at the age of 57.
Gabriela Bucio Coronado was born in Chicago on October 16, 1968, to Juan and Antonieta Coronado (Bucio). From an early age, she carried a determination that guided her academic and professional path. She advanced her studies with focus and perseverance, ultimately earning a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University.
In 1994, she made Peoria her home, stepping into city government roles where her skill and compassion quickly distinguished her. Through this work, she became a respected presence in central Illinois, known for strengthening public services and touching lives with both expertise and empathy.
Gabriela’s professional journey reflected her deep commitment to service. She strengthened public programs through her work in city administration, extended outreach to Hispanic families through Catholic Charities, and inspired students as a Spanish and French teacher at Peoria Notre Dame High School and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School. Her efforts bridged cultures, fostered understanding, and nurtured growth in both civic and faith‑based settings.
Her devotion to helping others continued in the insurance industry, where she guided individuals with empathy and practical support. Rooted in vibrant faith, Gabriela was deeply involved in the Neocatechumenal Way across multiple parishes, dedicating herself to building spiritual communities. She even spent a year in missionary service and teaching in the Turks and Caicos Islands, extending her care far beyond Illinois.
At the heart of Gabriela’s life was her family. She shared a loving marriage with husband David L. Walke, Jr., and maintained close ties with her brother Paul Coronado, his wife Kristine, and their children Emily, Zacharias, Joshua, Nathaniel, and Rosemary. She found joy in nurturing these bonds, offering encouragement and presence that strengthened unity across generations. She was preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Antonieta, and her younger brother, Sergio Bucio Coronado.
Gabriela B. Walke lived a life well lived, distinguished by excellence in public administration, dedication to education, missionary service abroad, and unwavering devotion to family and faith. Her legacy endures in the countless lives she touched through outreach, teaching, and spiritual guidance. In this season of remembrance, her memory stands as a testament to compassion, cultural bridging, and heartfelt dedication within the shared experiences of Peoria and central Illinois community life.