Hardwick, VT – Barbara Faith Hever, 82, died peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH.

Born in New Haven, CT on December 21, 1943, to Frank A. and Statia (Nowotenski) Orosz, Barbara grew up in around Wallingford, CT before eventually making the Northeast Kingdom her home, first in Lyndonville and most recently in Hardwick.

A true lover of nature, Barbara felt most at peace in the countryside, often accompanied by her beloved German Shepherd dogs and the horses she adored throughout her life. She especially loved the years she spent farming, finding joy and purpose in the hard work, the land, and the simple beauty of country living. Adventurous and full of joy, she embraced life wholeheartedly and rarely said no to a new experience. Whether it was a sunny afternoon with loud Hank Williams music playing and a cold Heineken in hand, or gathering family and friends around her table, Barbara believed deeply in enjoying life and the people she loved.

Barbara was known throughout the community for her warmth, generosity, unmistakable laugh, and spirited personality. An optimist by nature, she was trusting, gracious, and endlessly giving - often willing to give her last dollar to someone in need with a simple reminder that, “It’s only money.” Her kindness naturally inspired others to look after her in return.

With nine children of her own, Barbara somehow still made everyone around her feel like family. Her home and heart were always open, earning her the affectionate title of “Mother Hever” to countless friends of her children and others she welcomed into her life. She loved deeply and unconditionally, making each of her children feel uniquely cherished and important. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Barbara had a remarkable sense of humor and loved a good joke - dirty or clean. She could strike up long conversations anywhere she went, sometimes keeping people longer than they intended, but always leaving them smiling. She was often recognized by her loud cheering from the sidelines for her children and grandchildren, whom she supported with fierce pride and unwavering love.

Her faith in the Lord was central to her life. Through both hardships and celebrations, her church family remained a source of strength, love, and support. Barbara worked hard to instill that same faith and love in her children. One cherished memory her family holds dearly is of arriving late to church, only for Barbara to quickly apply her lipstick in the car before walking in with a smile and saying, “Better late than never.”

She also loved entertaining family and friends with her guitar and singing voice, often singing country songs beneath her cowboy hat during family gatherings and holidays she treasured so deeply.

Barbara is survived by her nine children: Debbie Austin and husband Steve of Essex, VT; Doug Germain and wife Beth of Gloucester, MA; Jennifer Nolan and husband Kevin of Wesley Chapel, FL; Joe Solinsky and wife Jean of Sutton, VT; Amy Tucker of Montpelier, VT; Sheila Hever of Smithfield, RI; Mary Jardine of Sheffield, VT; Bobbie Densmore and husband Brendan of Wells, ME; and Kelley Hever and fiancé Ben Fournier of Lyndonville, VT; her sister Dianne Plourde of Reading, PA; twenty-one grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; her beloved German Shepherd, Mattie; and many other relatives, friends, and members of the community who loved her dearly.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Frank Orosz III.

A Memorial Service will be held at Lyndon Bible Church in Lyndonville, VT at 10am on Saturday, May 16th. At 12pm, a Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be held at 1373 Back Center Rd, Lyndonville, VT. All family and friends of Barbara are welcome to attend.

Knight Funeral Home of White River Junction, VT was entrusted with arrangements, memories and condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.