Barbara Jane Cochran

Barbara Jane Cochran, age 84, passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is the daughter of the late Dorothy Rider Smith and James Henry Smith of Etlan, Va. Barbara grew up in beautiful Etlan, Va.

Barbara was born on February 4, 1941, in Charlottesville, Virginia. She lived a life centered on family, friendship, and a deep appreciation for meaningful moments shared with others. She was known for her sense of humor, remarkable strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Barbara faced life’s challenges with resilience, determination, and grace, inspiring those around her through her courage. For more than two decades, she also lived with macular degeneration, meeting its challenges with the same determination and perseverance that defined her life.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Barbara was a constant presence at her family’s academic and athletic events and passed on enduring values of strength, resilience, hard work, and family devotion.

She loved bringing people together—hosting family gatherings, welcoming friends into her home, and creating moments filled with laughter and connection. An avid golfer, Barbara, spent many happy hours on the course at Greene Hills Country Club. She especially loved to travel, always eager to experience new places, and took great pleasure in taste-testing and discovering new red wines. One of her cherished traditions was attending the annual family fall gathering to make apple butter, a time she deeply enjoyed for both the process and the togetherness it brought.

Barbara enjoyed a long career with the Federal Government. Working at HEW (Health, Education & Welfare) and FSTC (Foreign Science & Technology Center) until her retirement. Many lifelong friends were made there.

Barbara married Robert C. Cochran on October 2, 2006. He preceded her in death on May 8, 2018. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sister, Evelyn Mae Smith Murray; brother-in-law, John D. Murray Jr.; and nephew, James O. Murray.

Barbara is survived by her son, Jeffrey Rebich (Melissa); grandchildren, Madison Harrison (Bailey) and Nathan Rebich; and great-granddaughter, Callie Grace Harrison. She is also survived by her nephew, John D. “Bucky” Murray III (Diane); niece, Stephanie Murray (Gerald); niece Temple Murray, and numerous beloved great-nieces and great-nephews and their families.

She is further survived by her stepchildren: stepsons, Bob Cochran and David Cochran; stepdaughters, Donna Cochran Poynton (Stephen) and Nancy Cochran Olson (Jack); step-granddaughter, Allison Hurst (Jason); and step great-grandchildren, Carolina Rominger and Cooper Hurst.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Preddy Funeral Home 59 Edgewood School Lane, Madison, VA 22727 with Pastor Dan Yowell officiating. Interment will be in Etlan Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation and/or The American Breast Cancer Foundation in her memory.

Barbara Jane Cochran will be remembered for her strength, her laughter, and the love she shared so generously. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who were fortunate to know and love her.