Patricia Ann Heyndricks Widmayer

Patricia Ann Heyndricks Widmayer, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at the age of 93.

Patricia was born on January 23, 1932, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Eugene L. Heyndricks and Anna Farley Heyndricks. She was raised in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where she developed a lifelong love of learning, creativity, and faith.

She earned a bachelor's degree in Education and a master’s degree in Speech from Montclair State Teacher’s College. Patricia dedicated nine years of her professional life to teaching junior high English and Speech in the Glen Rock, New Jersey School District, where she inspired students with her love of language and expression.

In 1954, Patricia visited Martha’s Vineyard for the first time and was immediately captivated by the island’s beauty. That early connection blossomed into a lifelong bond and deeply influenced her many artistic pursuits. She was a talented oil and watercolor painter, an accomplished knitter and cross-stitch artist, and a gifted writer. Her short stories were published in Highlights for Children magazine, and she authored the children’s book Spencer the Smiling Seacolt, published in 1965 by T.S. Denison & Company.

In 1961, Patricia married Donald H. Widmayer, Sr., and together they made their home in Glen Rock, New Jersey, where they raised their family. Following Don’s retirement in 1989, the couple enjoyed a cherished rhythm of life as snowbirds, spending winters in Pompano Beach, Florida, and summers on Martha’s Vineyard.

A woman of deep faith, Patricia served the Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister and was an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Pompano Beach, where she devoted herself to helping those in need.

In addition to her parents, Patricia was predeceased by her beloved husband of fifty-two years, Donald H. Widmayer, Sr., and her brother, Rev. Eugene P. Heyndricks.

She is survived by her son, Donald H. Widmayer, Jr., and his wife, Janet, of Leland, North Carolina; her daughter, Maryann Hennelly of West Chester, Pennsylvania; and her cherished grandchildren: Hannah Widmayer Brown and her husband, Kevin, of Queens, New York; Captain James Hennelly, U.S. Army; Amanda Hennelly of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Lillie Widmayer of San Francisco, California.

Services will be private.