Barbara Edith (VanCampen) Kaechele of Hamden, CT passed away on December 2, 2025.  Barbara loved her children and their spouses, Susan & Scott Ward, Bruce & Debbie Kaechele, and Lori & Todd Allen. She delighted in her 6 granddaughters and 5 great grandchildren. Barbara was born August 29, 1935 in Montrose, PA and preceded in death by Reverend Edward Kaechele, her husband of 66 years, her parents Edith & Frank VanCampen and her siblings Frances, Arthur and Warren VanCampen.

Barbara filled her life with friends, laughter, music and art. She loved gardening, birdwatching, seasonally decorating her home and keeping the family history. For many years she shared her musical talents as soloist and pianist at First Baptist Church in New Haven CT.

Barbara was a tenacious and courageous woman. She learned to drive at 40 and worked as a mechanic. She proudly worked for 35 years as the Office Manager at Silverman Group until the age of 85.

Recently, Barbara had been a resident of Whitney Center. She was known for her vivacious spirit and after-dinner piano playing – playing old favorites and personal requests from residents.

Celebration: First Baptist Church of New Haven, Dec 13, 2025, visiting 10:00, service 11:00. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church in New Haven. firstbaptistnewhaven.org. Please send all cards to Lori Allen, 9 Chestnut St., Medway, MA., 02053. Condolences may be expressed at www.hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com.