Kodiak’s Most Famous Madam Remembered

Brianna Gibbs/KMXT
If you lived in Kodiak during the 1960s and 1970s, you might remember a woman named Dee Barbero. Mrs. Barbero, or “Madam Dee,” as she was known, passed away in December – closing a chapter in Kodiak’s boomtown history.
After Madam Dee left Kodiak, she moved to Florida with her husband, Martin Barbero.
Mr. Barbero said his wife passed away from complications of diabetes after deciding to stop dialysis early last year. She died in her home in Florida on Christmas Day.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Barbero asked that folks take a loved one to dinner and appreciate the time they have with them.
Click the play button to hear Mr. Barbaro and other local’s memories of Madam Dee.