Barbara Jean Kleiner

Barbara Jean (nee Workman) Kleiner 

Passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Woodstock Hospital with dignity and a deep sense of peace surrounded by the people she loved most in this world. She leaves behind her best friend and beloved spouse of 46 years Gerry Kleiner. Barb was mother to two amazing children Jerry (Mary Beth Start) Kleiner and Lindsay (Justin) Edwards. She was grandmother to Owen and Seth Edwards - the two most-loved boys in the world. Barb is sorry to leave behind and will deeply miss her sweet cat and fur baby Chuck as well as two grand-puppies Wrigley and Phoebe. Barb was the daughter of Jean (Watters) and Fred Workman and daughter-in-law to Theresia (Gross) and Joe Kleiner. Little sister to Don (Marlene) Workman and sister-in-law to Joann (Joe) Brnjas and David Kleiner. Barb was incredibly fond of her nieces and nephews and their children. 

It was important to Barb to express her gratitude to the many friends, neighbours, and family members who have continuously shown up with support, kindness, and levity. In particular she wished to mention her Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Bill. And with regards to her lifelong friend, Robin Atterbury, Barb said - not many people have the pleasure of going through almost their entire life with the same best friend and I don’t know what I would have done without her. 

Many health care practitioners have supported Barb over many years and she wished to thank Dr. Orchard and her team as well as the palliative care outreach team. It was important to Barb to extend her deep appreciation and regard to the nurses, doctors, and support staff of the palliative care 2200 unit of Woodstock Hospital for their care and compassion. 

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2026. Barb requested that donations be made to Woodstock Hospital Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, or to an animal welfare organization of one’s choice, and may be arranged through Brock and Visser Funeral Home, Woodstock (519) 539-0004.