Barbara Anne Cambria

Mystic - Barbara Anne Cambria (nee Dalina), 78, a beacon of light and love in Mystic and Old Lyme, passed away Nov. 2, 2025, after a sudden and courageous battle with the fourth cancer of her lifetime. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., in a loving Italian community, Barbara and family relocated to Towson, Md., at age 13. Continuing her Catholic education there, Barbara grew into a woman of exceptional warmth, friendliness and faith. A talented soprano and excellent student, Barbara's teen years were filled with classical piano playing, choir practice, CYO dances and sporting events, even attending filmings of American Bandstand with Dick Clark.

Seaside summers were an unforgettable time for Barbara, her younger siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. Many fond memories of adventures along the Jersey Shore instilled a lifelong love of the beach and serenity of the ocean, and belief in the healing power of water. She and the love of her life, Dennis J. Cambria, D.D.S., found their bliss and cultivated roots in the wonderful community of White Sand Beach, Old Lyme. Nurturing deep friendships and joyful Cambria family moments, Barbara's peaceful "healing place" nourishes them, their children, and now grandchildren, over the past 35 years.

Barbara's commitment as a lifelong educator is a cornerstone of her legacy. Teaching middle school together in the Anne Arundel County, Maryland public school system united Barbara with Dennis, her beloved husband of 54 years. She skillfully earned her Master's of Education from Johns Hopkins University and supported Dennis while at University of Maryland Dental School, further leading their home life as Dennis ultimately built his dental career in Norwich.

Barbara's life was grounded in her deep spiritual beliefs, which guided her through the many roles she played. "Always wanting to be a mother," in her words, Barbara was the very foundation upon which their beautiful family was built. Together, Barbara and Dennis raised three children: Nicole Cambria (Jason Raney), Danielle Tiberio (Armand), and James Cambria (Stephanie Hedge), who each, in their own ways, exemplify the virtues Barbara held so dear.

Her role as Nonna to her seven cherished grandchildren - whom she adoringly called her "GRANDS" - was one she embraced with her entire being, teaching them to read and instilling in them the values of kindness, religious education and the simple joys of life. Barbara's love and communication extended beyond her immediate family and Connecticut state lines to her siblings, Francesca Dalina-Dubon and Daniel J. Dalina (Doreen); as well as her six nieces and nephews, and several godchildren dear to her. She was predeceased by her parents, Anna M. (Muro) and Daniel P. Dalina.

After many years as a homemaker, Barbara served the Norwich Public School System for 13 years with dedication and passion in roles ranging from art therapy to special education and behavioral assistance. Forever inspired by her attendance at Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech at Lincoln Memorial, she sought to integrate and unite all those she encountered. Her patient teaching methods and nurturing presence in the classroom shaped countless young minds, emotions and futures exponentially, so when she incorporated her pet therapy dogs into Ledyard elementary school classrooms and local library reading programs.

Beyond the walls of schools, Barbara's dedication to community service left an indelible mark on southeastern Connecticut, at times extending as far as Jeremie, Haiti with the Haitian Health Foundation. Barbara was a pioneering force behind establishing a pet-therapy volunteer program at Backus Hospital, recognizing the healing bond between animals and suffering humans. Her talent in training and certifying her three incredible yellow Labrador Retrievers for hospice pet therapy over the past thirty years is unparalleled. Barbara's work in this field brought comfort and joy to many adults and children as well as herself, reflecting her innate compassion and her deep love for dogs.

When not contributing to her community, spending time with her family, or cooking countless incredible meals, Barbara could be found lost in a good book, enjoying theater and music, basking in a WSB sunset or Mystic River sunrise, knitting and quilting, or engaging in one of her many friendships that so fulfilled her. She was always talking! Even strangers were new friends yet to be made. Her life was a testament to the values of being kind, thoughtful, and resolute - qualities that she exuded effortlessly and that inspired everyone around her.

Barbara Cambria leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless love and the profound impact of a life lived in full, generous service to others. As we carry her light forward into the future, Barbara's family will greet relatives and friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday Nov. 24, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, in Norwich. Her burial will be held privately following the Mass.

Memorial donations may be made to the Haitian Health Foundation (Norwich, Ct.) and the Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut (New London, Ct.).