Barbara J. (Chilton) LaGrant

On June 29, 2023, Barbara J. Chilton LaGrant earned her wings and went to walk with the angels.

She was born in Pittsfield, MA on August 26, 1932, the daughter of Ralph B. and Agnes Clapper Chilton, Sr.

Barbara’s dream was to own her own restaurant. In the early 60’s she and her mother operated the Cup & Saucer Diner in Pittsfield which began her passion for food service. Barbara worked in various restaurants around the Berkshires, including a long career at The Village Inn in Lenox where she mentored many teenagers in their first jobs working in her kitchen.

She and her late husband, Austin, worked for many years running Diesel Dan’s Diner in Lee, where she was known far and wide for her amazing home-cooked meals.

Barbara loved dancing and singing, especially to the Jitterbug and the Polka.

She spent much of her time with her children and grandchildren whom she loved immensely.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her three children: Dana H. Burton and his wife, Cindy, of Lee; Vicki L. Santolin, of Stockbridge; and Laurie A. Hitchcock and her husband, David, of Pittsfield; her nine grandchildren: Jessica Santolin, Jodi Buratto, Christopher Burton, Amber Burton, David Hitchcock, Jr., Ryan Hitchcock, James Hitchcock, Kristin Morris, and Susan Bailey. In addition she also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren; a brother, James Chilton, of Pittsfield; and a sister, Shirley Robinson, of Worthington.

Services for Barbara J. Chilton LaGrant will be private for the family.