Obituary of Barbara E. Klingel

Barbara E. Klingel, 88, of East Hartford, passed away at Manchester Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family on April 29, 2023. Daughter of the late Alexander and Anna (Kiskunes) Tomkunas, she was born on February 2, 1935. 

After completing her schooling, Barbara went on and married the love of her life, Martin, on April 8, 1961, and together they raised their two children. Barbara loved her grandchildren and her daycare kids. She loved to work on her gardens, net balls and stockings. She also enjoyed baking. 

Barbara is survived by her two children Karl Klingel and his wife Carey, and Kathy Perez and her husband Jose; her grandchildren Madelyn, Chloe, and Ellie Klingel, and Sophia, Isabella and Toby Perez; her brothers Alex "Bud" Tomkunas and his wife Patricia, and Raymond "Ray" Tomkunas; her sister-in-law Patsy Tomkunas; as well as many loved nieces, nephews, and friends. Barbara also leaves a very special friend MaryEllen, whom she had been friends with for over 60 years, as well as a niece Keri, who was like a second Mom to her. Besides her parents and her loving husband Martin, Barbara was predeceased by her brother Thomas Tomkunas. 

Relatives and friends are invited to the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St. in Manchester on Wednesday, May 3 for a visitation from 4 to 7pm. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to National Breast Cancer Foundation at www.nationalbreastcancer.org or mailed to National Breast Cancer Foundation, PO Box 676910, Dallas, TX 75267-6910. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.