Barbara A. (Pyka) Whaples, widow of Howard M. Whaples, of Manchester, CT, passed away peacefully at Kimberly Hall, North in Windsor, CT on February 14, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on March 1, 1938, Barbara was the daughter of the late Walter Pyka and Agnes (Wandych) Pyka.

Her familial ties were deeply rooted in Manchester, where she was born and raised. Barbara is survived by her sister Diane Pyka Lombardi and her husband John, her nephews, Richard Garner and his partner Debbie, who she raised as a son, Steven Lombardi and his wife Amy, who will hold dear the memories of her love, kindness and guidance, Frank Lombardi and his wife Jessica and Donald Moore and his wife Peggy and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara was predeceased by her older sister Loretta, who she was very close to, and younger brother Walter.

Barbara worked many years at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford as a bookkeeper and brought her skills to Shawmut Equipment, M & R Liquors and RoVic. When she wasn’t working she would be knitting her wonderful slippers, dishcloths or something else that was perfectly done. She and her husband Howard were fans of race car drivers at Stafford Motor Speedway, sponsoring a race car and Howard restoring an antique race car. Barbara was a big Nascar fan traveling with Rich, Steven and Howard to Martinsville, VA, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Pocono Speedway. She had an extensive collection of Steiff Teddy Bears and loved antiquing.

Barbara and Howard moved for a brief time to Crystal River, Florida where they were happy to be out of the cold weather of CT. Barbara and Howard were married 57 years when Howard passed in 2013. Barbara then moved back to CT to be with her family.

Barbara's presence was a quiet one, but her impact on those around her was profound. She possessed an understated wisdom, a gentle sense of humor. Her legacy is one of enduring love, steadfastness in the face of life's challenges, and a deep-seated altruism that manifested in countless small acts of generosity.

In keeping with Barbara's life and values, her final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the town that she loved and called home. Her passing is not an end, but a transition to a place of eternal peace, as promised by her faith. Her family would like to thank the many aides, nurses and special Social Worker Kate, at Kimberly Hall, North, who cared for Barbara for 7 years with love, compassion and care. We celebrate Barbara's journey on this earth and honor the indelible mark she has left on the hearts of many. 

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, February 23rd 2026 from 9am till 10:30am at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT. A Funeral Home Service will take place between 10:30am and 11am with a burial to follow at Buckland Cemetery, located at 1210 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com