Barbara L. DeCosta

Barbara Louise DeCosta 60, of Griswold CT passed away unexpectedly from a medical condition on April 29, 2022.

She was born January 24, 1962, to her parents Lillian & Kenneth DeCosta in the Whaling City of New London, CT.

She was known to her family as "TaTa" and "Momma Ouisey". The baby sister of 8 brothers and 3 sisters, she was immensely close to ALL of her siblings, and they all had their own special bonds and secret inside jokes.  

With a fiery artistic soul, Barbara lived life on her own terms. As a teen she enjoyed working at her brother's pizza house "Ronnie D's". During this time, she was able to dote on her many nieces and nephews. She would affectionately recall her times with her dear friend Ronnie Bessette and their motorcycle rides to everywhere and nowhere. 

Her early adult years were filled with family time and working as a baker. Barbara had a passion for creating, designing, & decorating cakes and other gourmet treats to share with all. She had an affinity for art, gardening, bird watching, decorating, music, and poetry. In the evenings, she enjoyed bringing her children for walks through local parks and beaches, often referring to the walks as “soul food.”  She had a special affinity for the gardens and beaches at Harkness, the Arboretum at Conn. College & the Rose Garden in Norwich.

In her thirties she married her late husband Fred Charbonneau and together they owned Freedom Janitorial Services in Waterford CT.  During this time, Barbara spent her nights working and her days adoring her 1st two granddaughters Damaris and Laritza Griffin. (Florida).

In her next chapter she was blessed with three more grandbabies Timothy Griffin (Florida), Caitlyn and Grant Greenleaf (Maine), as well as her soulmate Victor Cholewa. She & Victor enjoyed trips to Maine spending time with her daughter and her family. They enjoyed gardening together and travelling up and down the east coast from Canada to Florida and everywhere in between. 

Barbara was predeceased by both of her parents Lillian and Kenneth Decosta, her brothers Robert, Gary, Ronald, Ernest, Alan, Wayne, and sister Jeannie. Barbara was also predeceased by her husband Fred Charbonneau, life partner Victor Cholewa as well as many aunts, Uncles, and cousins. 

Barbara is survived by her son Larry Griffin of CT, her daughter Amy Greenleaf and husband David of Maine, Stepdaughter Melia Cortina, Sisters Betty McMahon and Alice Bessette, both of CT, Brothers William DeCosta and wife Debbie of NC, Richard DeCosta and husband Charles of VT.  Grandchildren include Damaris, Laritza & Timothy Griffin of FL, Caitlyn & Grant Greenleaf of ME, Samaria Negron of CT and Niko Flores of CT.

Barbara is also survived by her Aunts Margaret Kaufman and husband Angel Nogeuras of CT, Doris DeCosta of CT and Evelyn White of FL.  In addition, she leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, great- nieces and great-nephews. 

Barbara also had several others dear to her and who she considered family, including but not limited to Cheryl Bunn and Rose Harding. 

Barbara's family would like to extend gratitude to all of the nurses, aides, and family members who supported and cared for her and Victor throughout the last few years of their lives. 

(In lieu of flowers)

As a survivor of Domestic Violence please consider donating in Barbara's name to one of the Non-Profit Domestic Violence Resource centers she held close to her heart. 

https://www.caring-unlimited.org/donate  or  https://safefuturesct.org/donatenow/

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