Barbara Jean “Barbie” Kurkul, 64, of River Street, Saxtons River, passed away peacefully at her home on May 28, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She was born December 16, 1961, the youngest daughter of Barbara (Booth) and William T Kurkul, and grew up on the family dairy farm in Westminster alongside her three sisters, a childhood that instilled in her a lifelong love for nature in all its beauty. Barbie graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1979 and went on to attend the University of Vermont, where she graduated with a degree in agriculture. She was a graduate of the Katharine Gibbs School in Boston.

She worked at a variety of jobs over the years, most involving interacting with people, which she enjoyed tremendously. She spent several years working on a horse farm in Maine. She worked at a number of local medical offices and later for Senior Solutions. Barbie was most recently employed by Recycle Away, providing customer service to sustainability-minded clients.

She was an active participant in many local organizations, including Westminster Cares, the Saxtons River Nature Club, and her local book club. She volunteered as a stage manager with Main Street Arts, a role she loved. It was typical for Barbie to volunteer for “behind the scenes” jobs that entailed a lot of hard work outside the limelight. She spent much time volunteering for the community center at 24 Main, both inside and out. She was also a member of the Saxtons River Rec Committee.

Barbie was a lover of cats and found homes and affection for her many furry friends over the years. She also loved reading, horses, nature, Paul Simon and the Rolling Stones, front porch sitting, and riding around with her beloved partner, Kenny. She was a bird enthusiast, collector of otherwise overlooked treasures, and creator of unique nicknames. She never passed a yard sale she didn’t want to stop at. Barbie loved traveling, having spent considerable time in Europe. She also hiked the Appalachian Trail. She loved working in her flower and vegetable gardens, creating beauty and serenity in her surroundings. She was a Vermont-certified Master Gardener and enjoyed sharing her knowledge and cuttings with her many friends and neighbors.

She possessed a beautiful singing voice and was a spontaneous and spirited dancer. She was also a board game enthusiast, crafter, cookie decorator, and pesto maker extraordinaire. She was the family historian, a skilled photographer, event planner, adventure seeker, a skilled equestrian, and a lifelong learner.

She loved her community and her community loved her back. She was almost always smiling. She was a booster of the greater Bellows Falls area and took great pride in her town for its character, beauty and history. She made her home and lived an enriching life in Saxtons River for more than 20 years.

Perhaps most importantly, she was extraordinarily kind and thoughtful, always willing to lend a hand to those in need and provide some humor to those who needed positive energy. She never sought praise for all she did and was a truly authentic person.

Barbie is survived by her life partner, Ken Lawrence, and his children, Mallory Smith (Tyson), and their children, Hadley and Holden, Grant Lawrence (Sarah Morse), and Hayden Lawrence (Kayla Perrotte), as well as her beloved cat, Kit. Her cherished cat, Ira, predeceased her. She also leaves her sisters, Karen Breslend (Mike) of Springfield, VT, Heidi Nowers (Donnie) of Westminster, VT and Holly Adams of Locust Grove, VA, and their families. She was adored and will be deeply missed by her six nieces and nephews: Jennie, Melissa, Billy, Brian, Brianna, and Kelsi, as well as her many great-nieces and nephews. Barbie was predeceased by her parents and her brother-in-law, Mike Adams.

A private family graveside service will be followed by a public celebration in honor of Barbie on June 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Moose Club, 59 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.