Barbara K. Poirot, 80, of Dallas, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late William and Georgiana (Peabody) Keish.

Barbara and her brother, William, grew up on a dairy farm in Manchester, Connecticut, where she enjoyed showing cows through the local 4-H program. While attending college, she met James F. Poirot, whom she would later marry and raise her four sons with.

Alongside raising her family, Barbara enjoyed a long and dedicated career as a dental hygienist in Connecticut. She built lasting relationships with her patients, many of whom remained loyal to her and followed her from practice to practice. Barbara and James shared 35 years of marriage before his passing in 2003.

Barbara continued her career as a dental hygienist, and it was through her work that she eventually met Mel Holben, a patient who would become her companion for the next 20 years. Barbara and Mel eventually made their home in Dallas, Georgia, but they never lost their connection to Connecticut. Each summer, they returned to enjoy the outdoors and spent time at the Charlie Brown Campground, a place that remained special to them.

Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her four sons and nine beloved grandchildren: James F. Poirot III of Augusta, Georgia, and his children, Brandon and Abigayle; Michael Poirot of Dallas, Georgia, and his children, Sophie, Ethan, and Harrison; Kevin Poirot of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, and his children, Mason and Chase; and Bryce Poirot of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his children, Max and August. She will be lovingly remembered by her family for the many years of love, devotion, and memories they shared.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040. Burial will follow at East Cemetery.

Barbara’s family will always be grateful to her cousin, Carol, whose generous gift as a kidney donor gave Barbara an additional 25 years of life and countless cherished memories. In honor of the struggles she overcame with kidney disease the family asks in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made in Barbara’s memory to The National Kidney Foundation.