Barbara A. (Jones Trelegan) Kinchla

Barbara A. (Jones Trelegan) Kinchla, age 85, of Charlton, MA, died peacefully on May 15th after a brief illness.  Born on May 19th, 1939 in Somerville, MA to Edward and Mary Jones, she grew up in Arlington with her much loved, big brother Jack, and as a “latchkey kid” took on a lot of responsibilities at an early age.  After earning her diploma from Matignon High School, she married Newey Trelegan in 1960 and raised their five children in Sherborn, MA.  She spent countless hours shuttling the kids around and cheering them on at their various activities from plays, recitals and music lessons to horse shows, soccer, baseball and hockey games.  Barbara loved music and dancing, filling the house with everything from Reggae to classic rock to her beloved Neil Diamond.  She performed in musicals with the Sherborn Players and played the piano throughout her life.

Following her divorce, she entered the work force and in 1989 married Tim Kinchla.  She was employed at Prime Computer and Babson College in the Alumni Department until her retirement in 2001 when she was honored with a Babson chair for her many years of service.  Barbara and Tim then split their time between Venice, FL and Stonington, ME until returning to Charlton, MA in 2019 to be closer to family.

An avid Boston sports fan, she enthusiastically supported the Bruins, Celtics, Pats and Sox as well as college hockey and Premiere League Soccer.  Barbara also enjoyed boating and fishing.  She was a girl from the city who mastered the skill of casting a fly and usually caught the first, the most and the biggest fish whenever she was on the pond.   

From early family vacations to the Cape and NH to her last journey to Stonington three weeks ago, Barbara liked a road trip.  There were many casino excursions, visits to New Orleans and Dallas, and lots of exploring along the drives between Maine and Florida, with Princess the Yellow Lab in tow.  St. Kitts was a special place to her, and she and Tim also travelled there many times.

Barbara also enjoyed simple pleasures like her daily crosswords and Spelling Bee, tending to her lilies and admiring the hummingbirds she attracted.  What gave her the most pleasure though was being in the company of those she loved, whether hosting family gatherings, picking blueberries with Sierra, playing cards, croquet or cribbage, but especially sharing a good laugh.  Her warmth and humor endeared her to all who knew her.  She will forever be missed.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Tim, her children Suzanne Trelegan Welch and husband John Mark, Newey Trelegan Jr and wife Kristin, Lynda Trelegan and Keith Lawless, Matthew Trelegan and wife Allison, and Diane Trelegan and partner Tammie Geel, her grandchildren Sierra Herbort and husband Drew, Brian Trelegan, Brendan Trelegan and Dillon Trelegan as well as extended family.

Visiting Hours at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., NATICK COMMON, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 11 am – 1 pm. Funeral Service will follow in the funeral home at 1:00 pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will be private.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA  30394 or online at Donate | Love to the Rescue

For online guestbook and directions, please visit: www.everettfuneral.com

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