Barbara Esther Widmann

Widmann, Barbara Esther "GRAMS" (Brendel), 92, passed away at peace on February 24, 2025, in the comfort of her home.
In life, Barbara was known for her grace, her compassion and her kindness. Her positivity, courage and strength, especially during times of challenge and adversity, set an example for many.
In 1983, when her first grandchild was born, Barbara became known as "GRAMS". Somehow, this nickname stuck, and before long, everyone who knew her well was calling her Grams. In 2015, as she took on the role of great grandmother, she became lovingly referred to as "OMA" by the next generation.
Long before the term "foodie" became popular in the culinary world, Grams had a passion for good food, was an excellent cook in her own right, and also loved dining out. Her German potato salad was iconic, unmatched and often requested to be brought to various parties, cookouts and events. As a footnote, that recipe did not die with her. She taught a few of us the secret behind her success! The tradition lives on. Grams also loved seafood, particularly a lobster roll, each of which was "the best one I've ever had!" She really went out of her comfort zone when she first tried sushi, realizing how much she loved it. A Crazy Dragon roll and a seaweed salad were her "go to" choices at her favorite spot. Enjoying the simple things in life brought her much joy.
Grams was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be missed and fondly remembered.
The beloved wife of the late Herbert W. Widmann, for 31 years before his untimely death, Barbara was born in Cranston on December 16, 1932 to Kurt and Esther (Kunzmann) Brendel. She was the cherished sister of Martha B. Richard of Warwick and the late Kurt F. Brendel.
Barbara graduated from Cranston High School in 1950 and worked as a medical assistant for John Roque, MD. She married and moved to Warwick where she dedicated herself to the loving care and well being of her family.
Barbara was the loving and adored mother to five children; Virginia M. Harrington of Warwick, Howard K. Widmann of Warwick, Lisa K. Harrington and her husband, Michael, of Warwick, David W. Widmann and his wife, Ann-Marie, of Warwick, and Steven F. Widmann and his wife, Lori, of St. Cloud, Florida.
Grams was the much loved grandmother to Courtney M. Fraley (Travis), Rebecca A. Simone (Louis), Shane D. Harrington (Kathy), Elizabeth B. Harrington (Tristan), Steph W. Harrington (Anna), Alessandra G. Davidson (Shane), Helena R. Widmann, and Kurt D. Widmann.
Oma was the precious great grandmother to Corbin, Olivia and Victoria Fraley, Bradi, Louis and Sloane Simone, Natalie and Sean Harrington and Kylian Davidson. Another Harrington great grandchild is due to be born in March.
Grams was the treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her nephews Mark and Eric Richard and her son in law, Sean Harrington.
Throughout her life, Barbara cherished spending time with her family and friends, and greatly enjoyed travel, reading, music and the arts. For more than 30 years, she was honored to serve as a nanny and personal care provider for several family in Rhode Island, retiring at the age of 88, when the Global Pandemic resulted in quarantine and lockdown.
A woman of deep faith, Barbara was a former member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Providence, where she served as a lay Deacon. She also enjoyed being a member of Emmanuel Luther Church in West Warwick. She was a past member of the Warwick County Club.
As a respected and dearly loved woman, Barbara will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A celebration of her extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, March 22, starting with calling hours from 9-11am, followed by a Chapel Service to begin at 11am at the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests donations be made to the German-American Cultural Society of Rhode Island online: https://www.gacsri.org/donate or by mail: 78 Carter Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02861.