Barbara Darling, 88, of East Barnard, joined the angels on May 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, both near and far.
Barbara, “Babs” to those close to her, was born to Dorothy and Benjamin Dietrich on Aug. 24, 1936 in Greenwich, Conn. She spent her early years in Riverside and Cos Cob, Conn. graduating from Greenwich High School. After spending summers in Vermont with her parents she moved to East Barnard in 1970 to raise her three children Deborah, Linda and Kenneth. Barbara is remembered by many working at the original Woodstock Village Inn, with her family at Ene’s Table ( next to The Valley View Motel in Barnard), and among the youngsters at Bentley’s in the restaurant and the flower shop. She was a second mom to so many of her children’s friends. The door to her home was always open offering a welcome place to stay, share the latest shenanigans and of course a homemade meal. Barbara was an excellent cook. She looked forward to spring and loved foraging and harvesting Vermont’s wild edibles including ramps, fiddleheads, grapes and morels, not to forget her favorite dilly green beans and her pickling talents. Her kitchen was a busy place, canning the veggies from her garden to processing unique jams and jellies. Nothing went to waste.
She was a voracious reader and always brought her current novel with her to her favorite place, Ogunquit Beach. Whether she was enjoying the sound of the waves on the beach, watching her grandchildren play in the ocean, shopping in the busy town or hanging out at The Piano Bar, she was happy when she was here. Her favorite recent pastime was thrifting. She couldn’t let a thrift store pass her by.
A loving and spirited woman, Barbara was cherished for her deep devotion to her family, her grace, and impeccable eye for detail. Barbara was also celebrated for her talent as a dancer. In her youth, Barbara trained at the renowned Phil Jones Dance Studio in Stamford. She went on to perform at the prestigious Harvest Moon Ball at Radio City Music Hall and even appeared as a dancer on the Ed Sullivan Show with her cousin, Bob, a true moment of pride for Barbara and her loved ones. She loved her music and showed off her dancing skills on the dance floor of the infamous Bentley’s ringing in the new year with the best of them. Barbara’s artistic touch was also expressed through her incredible ability to arrange and press flowers, works of art that her loved ones will enjoy for generations. She participated in many local craft fairs selling her wreaths and pressed flower prints.
Barbara devoted her life to caring for others both personally and professionally. A caretaker for over 25 years, she brought friendship and comfort to those in her care. Barbara’s care and dedication to those she loved was also evident in her perfectly timed handwritten cards. No matter the occasion, you could always count on a card to arrive with a message of support.
Barbara was a gentle, fun-loving soul whose resilience in the face of sorrow was matched only by the joy she brought to others. She will be deeply missed.
Barbara joins her baby girl, mother and father, twin brother Richard Dietrich, younger brother Don Dietrich, and dear companion of 40 years, Sidney West, in heaven.
Barbara is honorably survived by her daughters Deborah Darling and Linda Darling Ward (Derek Ward), son Kenneth Darling (Monica Darling), grandchildren Katelyn Hadley (Jason Hadley), Hayden Darling, Benny DiCarolis, and her great-grandchildren Shay Hadley and Wren Hadley who will carry on her generous spirit and zest for life. A special note of thanks to those who reached out and shared their love and support this past year met the world to her: the Locke family, Burns family, Graham family, DeVito family, Reynolds family, Rose Smith, Lisa Hill and Gregory Camp, who has been a part of our family for as long as anyone can remember.
Barbara’s memorial services will take place on Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m. at the East Barnard Church, with a celebration of life to follow at the East Barnard Community Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Barbara’s memory to the Barnard Volunteer Fire and Rescue.
An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com.
