Barbara "Barb" Jalbert

1951 - 2025

Waterford - Barbara "Barb" Carlson Jalbert, age 74, of Waterford, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2025, surrounded by loving family after a long battle with cancer. Barbara was born Jan. 27, 1951, in Waterbury, to Marguerite Worgan Carlson and Carl Carlson. She and her brother, Carl, grew up in a three-family house full of cousins on Ashley Street in Waterbury, where she began her long career as the family social director.

Barbara graduated from Kennedy High School in 1968. She went on to attend St. Mary's Nursing School in Waterbury. There, she acquired a special community of friends who supported each other throughout their lives. Barbara graduated as an R.N. in 1971. Later, while raising her family, she went back to school to earn her Bachelor of General Science degree from the University of Connecticut in 1987.

On a blind date with a young marine on New Year's Eve 1970, Barbara met the greatest love of her life, Vincent Jalbert. After marrying in the middle of a hurricane, they built a beautiful marriage and lived a life that most can only dream of. Over 50 years together, they built four homes and owned and operated Cozy Nest Cottages in East Lyme. They took many memorable vacations, and hosted many parties that are still being talked about today. Barb was a dedicated mother to her two daughters, Dawn Jalbert and Dana Jalbert Stauffer. She enjoyed special and close relationships with many beloved cousins, on all sides of her family. Barbara was blessed with four grandchildren to whom she was known as "Grammy Barb" and "Boppy." She lived to spend time with them, and they enjoyed many summers together. She was a grandmother who would climb trees, build forts, go sledding, and show up in costume every chance she had. She wrote personalized books for all of her grandchildren.

Barbara worked as a nurse in many different capacities including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, insurance, and doctors' offices. She spread kindness and fun everywhere she went, making countless cherished friends along the way. Barbara was an actress at heart. In her sixties, she became an active member of the East Lyme Seniors Community Theater. Fulfilling her lifelong dream, she performed on stage in multiple performances to standing ovations. Barbara had a strong Catholic faith, and she was a dedicated member of St. Agnes Church in Niantic.

Although cancer prevented Barbara from achieving her goal of living to 100, she successfully lived a life packed to the brim with kindness, laughter, inspiration and love.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Vincent Jalbert of Waterford; daughter, Dawn Jalbert and fiancé, Casey Jacobs of Colchester; daughter, Dana Jalbert Stauffer and son-in-law Devin Stauffer of Austin, Texas; grandchildren: Vincent May, Joseph May, Nicholas Stauffer and Tessa Stauffer; sister-in-law, Elayne Carlson of Watertown; and niece, Erin Walsh of Madison. Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Carl Carlson of Watertown.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening Feb. 11, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 12, at St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Ave, Niantic, CT. Entombment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.