AVON- Barbara J. Byron (née Cutler, formerly Dostaler) passed away on January 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She will be remembered for her strength, intelligence, and sense of humor, as well as her deep devotion to her family and the lasting impact she made on all who knew her.

Barbara was a remarkably capable and intelligent woman who built a diverse and accomplished career over her lifetime. She worked for many years in systems analysis, programming, and financial services, including a long tenure at Aetna Life and Casualty, where she held supervisory and technical roles. Later in life, she followed a long-held interest in cooking and pursued her passion formally, graduating with honors from the Connecticut Culinary Institute in 2002 and working as a prep chef for large-scale events and celebrations.

Outside of her work, Barbara found great enjoyment in the search for unique and meaningful collectibles, a pursuit that reflected her curiosity and appreciation for beauty in many forms. She also loved reading, cooking, watching movies, dancing, traveling, and, most of all, spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was especially loved for her holiday baking; her pecan sandies were a family favorite and a tradition many looked forward to each year.

Barbara’s love for her family was unwavering and deeply felt in everything she did. Her strength, warmth, sharp wit, and humor were a source of comfort and laughter throughout her life. Her legacy lives on through the many generations she leaves behind, who will carry forward her stories, values, and love. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of her family.

Barbara was the proud mother of seven children and is survived by her loving family: Susan Tregelles and her husband, Roger Tregelles, of Venice, Florida; Arthur Dostaler III and his wife, Annette Dostaler, of Bristol, Connecticut, and their daughters, Nicole and Chelsea; David Dostaler and his spouse, Jeanne Basile, of Wolcott, Connecticut, and their sons, Kory, Scott, and David; Laura Dostaler of Waterbury, Connecticut, and her partner, Frank McCusker, and her children, Sydney and Joshua; Mark Dostaler and his wife, Kimberley Dostaler, of Isle La Motte, Vermont; and Kirsten Hujber and her spouse, Roland Hujber, of Suffield, Connecticut, and their daughter, Isabella. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. Barbara is also survived by her siblings, Richard Cutler of Moore, South Carolina; Janice Carroll of Avon, Connecticut; and Carol Vadnais of Fernandina Beach, Florida. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Theresa Natalle; her sister, Gail Cutler; and her former husbands, Arthur Dostaler Jr. and Donald Byron.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Barbara’s family on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you on the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.