Barbara K. Plaza, 86, of Colchester, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Born on October 22, 1938, in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late James and Gladys (Sterzing) Kessler. Barbara was a 1958 graduate of Wethersfield High School and soon after married the love of her life, Richard Plaza. Barbara had a deep passion for knitting and cross-stitching, which led her to open and operate her own craft and yarn store, Stitch and Knit, in Glastonbury for five years. Later in her career, she worked in the Accounts Receivable department at the Dinex Corporation. In her personal life, Barbara found joy in decorating her home with lush houseplants and caring for her beloved cats. Her warm presence, creative spirit, and gentle nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Plaza; sister-in-law, Susan MacDonald; brother-in-law, Harry Coppens; and numerous extended family members and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Judy Coppens, and brother-in-law, William MacDonald. A funeral procession will gather at 11:00 a.m. on Friday May 16, 2025 at Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester, CT, and proceed to Rose Hill Memorial Garden in Rocky Hill for a graveside service at 12:00 noon. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.