Barbara Jane (Kelley) Sperling, age 82, of Newtown, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 20, surrounded by her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Barbara was the loving wife of Rodger Sperling, married for 62 years, residing in Newtown for 59 of those years. She was born July 12, 1939, in Bridgeport, to wonderful parents Julia and Orin Kelley.

Barbara grew up in Bridgeport with four sisters. She attended Bassick High School in Bridgeport then moved to Stepney before her marriage. She was an active Girl Scout leader. Barbara enjoyed her time with great friends working at Barclay Knitwear and Hubbell Plastics, from where she retired. Her favorite hobbies were going to the casino, playing cards, reading, and taking care of her flowers and many hummingbirds. But she was happiest taking care of and being surrounded by her large family.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Rodger E. Sperling; daughter Cindy Kyle and her husband, Jim; daughter Kathleen Anderson Toothill and her husband, Tom; son Rodger O. Sperling and his wife, Susan; nine grandchildren, Kevin Anderson, Robb Miller, Laurie Holland, Kristen Pisano, Carl Anderson, Amy Elsberry, Rodger Sperling, Aaron Sperling, and Garrett Sperling and their spouses; 12 great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Audrina, Dylan, Ben, Izzy, Meghan, Aaliyah, Lily, Tucker, Jake, Quinn, and Archer. Also her sister, Nancy Richards, and husband Al, and many nieces and nephews survive her.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Elaine Kelly and Shirley Tremonto.

Barbara will be sadly missed, leaving a great void in our lives, but she has filled our hearts with love and great memories.

Family and friends are invited to help celebrate Barbara’s life. There will be calling hours at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown on Friday, October 22, from 5 to 7 pm, followed by a service at 7 pm officiated by Pastor Larry Crasilli of the Second Congregational Church of Derby.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Barbara’s memory can be made to Regional Hospice of Danbury, regionalhospicect.org, or your local hospice chapter.