Barbara Mary (Masi) Kardos

Barbara Mary (Masi) Kardos, of Cromwell, Connecticut, and Naples, Florida, passed away on August 25, 2026, at an age she rarely admitted to — and would probably prefer we not print — following a battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Kardos; her sons, Bryan Kardos and his wife, Regina, and Chris Kardos and his wife, Kristen; her grandchildren, Drew, Dean, Melia, and Kevin; and her sisters, Joan Gargone, Carm Dietrick, and Theresa Bonopartis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Pauline Masi.

Born on May 3 in Port Chester, New York, Barbara grew up in Port Chester, graduated from Port Chester High School, and continued her education at Virginia Intermont College and East Tennessee State University.

Barbara began her professional life as a teacher in Harrison NY, before devoting herself to raising her family. She and Tom shared 57 years of marriage and built a life centered on family, friendship, travel, golf, and a great deal of laughter. Barbara took tremendous pride in her sons and, in later years, found perhaps her greatest joy in being a grandmother. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives.

Barbara had a gift for making an ordinary gathering feel like an occasion. Warm, outgoing, playful, and always quick to laugh, she loved being surrounded by family and friends. She was an enthusiastic Mahjong and Canasta player and was always ready to try nearly any game that promised good company and a little friendly competition.

She also never took herself too seriously. Barbara and her friends were known to dress up simply for the fun of it, and she was always willing to be a little silly if it meant making someone else laugh. She was, quite naturally, the life of many parties and brought an unmistakable energy wherever she went.

Golf was one of Barbara's great passions and a pursuit at which she excelled. A passionate and accomplished golfer, she recorded an extraordinary five hole-in-ones and won numerous tournaments over the years. Golf brought her not only the thrill of competition and achievement, but also lasting friendships and countless happy memories.

Barbara and Tom divided their time between Cromwell, Connecticut, where they lived at TPC River Highlands, and TwinEagles in Naples, Florida. Both communities became important parts of their lives and offered Barbara so much of what she enjoyed most: golf, friendship, sunshine, gatherings, and plenty of opportunities for fun.

Generosity was another of Barbara's defining qualities. She had a remarkable talent for finding just the right gift, but her generosity extended far beyond anything that could be wrapped. She gave freely of her time, her attention, her hospitality, and her affection. She had a way of making the people she loved feel remembered, celebrated, and cared for.

Above all, Barbara loved her family deeply. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and the relationships she nurtured throughout her life were her greatest legacy.

Her absence will be deeply felt, but Barbara leaves behind something enduring: countless stories, family traditions, inside jokes, golf memories, and moments of laughter. Those who knew her will remember her generosity, her competitive spirit, her sense of fun, and her extraordinary ability to bring people together — memories that will continue to bring smiles and laughter for years to come.

A funeral Mass will be held on September 12 at 1:00 at St. John Church located on 5 St. Johns Church Ct. Cromwell CT. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Barbara's memory to American Cancer Society https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaigns/In-Memory-of-Barbara-Kardos