Barbara (Hall) Orcutt

Barbara (Hall) Orcutt, 97, a Kensington resident most of her life, died at Ledgecrest Healthcare on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 after a short illness. She lived most of her adult life at her home on Robbins Road, next to “the farm”. She enjoyed her last five years at Arbor Rose.

Born in Kensington, she was the daughter of the late Lyman E. Hall and Ruth Graham Hall and was a member of the Ferndale Dairy family.  Barbara graduated from Berlin High School and Edgewood Park Jr. College.  She was employed by Jones, Raphael & Oulundsen Insurance agency for over twenty five year.  She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Harding Orcutt, in 1980.

Barbara was a lifetime member of the Kensington Congregational Church where she sang in the choir for many years and served on several boards and committees.  She was also a member of the Berlin Children’s Fund.  Barbara and her husband welcomed many students from foreign countries into their home from CCSU where Robert was a librarian.

In 1980 Barbara began sharing her home with many students from CCSU and others. Her connections with those young people led to many deep friendships.  Barbara loved spending time with family and friends at her home on Robbins Road. It was the place of many celebrations; holidays, picnics, and time spent having a cup of tea. She was a consummate hostess and everyone was welcome at her table. She enjoyed traveling to see her children and friends and loved nothing better than to sit in her favorite pew at church and hear her children and grandchildren sing.

She is survived by three children; Joy Beynon and her husband Rodney of Grand Junction, CO, Judy Cookson and her partner Rick Theken of Barre, VT and David Orcutt and his partner Peter Trippi of New York City; five grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren.  She also leaves a brother Graham E. Hall of New Britain, several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many devoted and much loved friends. She had a very close bond with her great grandson; Declan.

A memorial service will be held in 2024 at the Kensington Congregational Church at time to be announced.  A private burial will be in West Lane Cemetery.  Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kensington Congregational Church, Robert & Barbara H. Orcutt Endowment Fund, 312 Percival Ave., Kensington, CT 06037. Condolences may be sent to the family of Barbara Orcutt, Arbor Rose, 975 Corbin Ave. Room 33, New Britain, CT 06052.