That was me (Peff) and Wink. She was graduating and I was reading a very special letter to my wonderful friend!

I am so sorry to hear of Winkie’s passing. I still remember her blueberry muffins she would bake and bring over to us as kids. Sending you all the love during this difficult time. :heart:

Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Pretty Please was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Mike, Nick, Pat, and Christine...John and I are heartbroken to hear of Winks passing.  We are vacation and will be unable to attend the funeral...but please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  We sure will miss seeing her smiling face in the neighborhood.  RuthAnn and John Norris

Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Danny, Karen and Maddie Goodwin purchased the Arrive in Style for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Wink was such a sparkling, amazing person. My son, Andy, was a friend of Nicks and played on the same soccer team. She made such an impression on me with her parenting. Her kids were easily among the best players but she always encouraged them to not focus on the goals they made but to make sure they were encouraging the other players for what they had done. Powerful stuff. Wink was also such a wonderful friend. I feel very blessed to have known her and will be praying for all of you.

Dear Christine and family,
Jack shared the news of your mom's passing, and I saw her obituary in the paper. What a great photo! The few times I was around Wink, she was always the same - a bundle of energy, big smile, positive vibe, and a can do-will get it done attitude. How proud you must be to call her Mom! She made a difference in people's lives. Cherish your memories and she will be watching when you make new ones.
Sincerely,
Alice Straub

Sentiments of Serenity Spray was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Joyful Memory was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Wink's smile, laughter and kindness is etched in our hearts and memories, we are so fortunate to have known and loved her.

With so much love,
The Mehlings - Joe, Kelly, Luke and Addie

Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

I have such fond memories of Wink from when I was a child. She and Lucy brought great joy to me and my brother, Scott, when both our families visited Jack and Audrey's home in Duxbury one summer, and then later in Lakewood where the two of them guided us through the streets and alleys in this beautiful town. My wife, Patty, also fondly remembers making egg roles from scratch with the Niden sisters in Chatham one summer as well, having a blast in doing so.
My deepest condolences for the loss of such a sparkling personality and clearly amazing mother, friend, and gift to us all.
Jeff (and Patty) Cummings

Pink Tribute Spray was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Huntington National Bank, Deposit Product Dist. purchased the Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Lavender Reflections Spray was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

To Mike, Nick, Pat and Christine,

I write this to you in sorrow, and in celebration of my friend Wink (aka "Cakey"...Mike may know the origin of the name and part of the story)

As a rebellious teenager, I was pissed beyond words when I had to move to some little town in western NY when I was about to start my junior year in high school.  Clearly there was a guardian angel looking out for my mom and dad when we moved into the house across the street from the Niden's. Wink (and Luce) embraced me and brought me into the fold, introducing me to basically the whole class (and making it OK to be a new kid). 

Wink was larger than life...as you know, she had a deep belly laugh and I can still hear it echoing through the hallways of Southwestern High.  Thinking of her laugh will always put a smile on my face.  Though she was "the popular girl" and homecoming queen...she was not the movie version of a popular girl...she was funny, fun-loving, engaging to all, and really, loved by all.  Can you imagine my luck moving in next to Wink?!

Wink was part of a special club we created in high school...not the school sanctioned kind...but the group of friend kind...we called ourselves the "UB Klub"...I told my parents it stood for "Us Buddies" and I'm sticking with it here.  Our UB Klub got together on weekend nights...we all had nicknames, and Wink was "Cakey" as she would make cakes for birthdays or whatever we were celebrating.  We had a song that we would sing when we were together, and I know, in heaven, Wink is laughing and reliving that silly song. I added a picture from our senior year where we had the audacity to make our UB Klub sign hugely prevalent in our class picture - kind of obnoxious, but kind of funny!  Wink/Cakey, I know you are laughing:)

Though my family moved away after high school, Wink (and Mike) always kept in touch.  Several years ago I was going through Christmas cards I saved and I had MANY years of Barren cards...though I never met you Nick, Pat and Christine, I know you through your mom and your Christmas cards.  I know how proud Wink was of all of you and I cherish to cards and updates on your family.  I've added the pictures with Wink in the cards, but have many more with just you as you were her pride and joy.

in 2016, I was was fortunate to be able to join our Southwestern classmates in celebrating our 40 year high school reunion. I was beyond thrilled to have Wink and Mike at the pre-party and reunion.  It was as if no time passed, and of course, that would be the case because friends like Wink don't care about time.

I have included pictures I have from reunion and Christmas cards with Wink.  I have more from high school (with classic Wink laughs) but they are all in storage right now (temporarily)...I can share more pictures later

Mike, Nick, Pat and Christine, 
Please know that though Wink was taken far too early, she changed lives, including my own.  I will always love her and be eternally grateful for all she did for me.

Much love,
Amy Allison (Gaffney)

Wink, Mike and all three kids helped welcome us to the Worthington community back in 2003. They made us feel at home and welcome. The Barren family are Worthington! Who could resist the ever present smile and laugh of Wink or the devious sense of humor of Mike? We have precious memories as I'm sure everyone who were touched by Wink, Mike and children have also. She was called home far too early. She will be missed by throngs of people whose life she touched.

David and Leslie Heubeck purchased the Treasured Lilies Spray for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

This is about the time we got to know Winkie at St Peter's church as the pre-school classes. Lily and Camille just loved going to Bible Class with Christine and Pat. Such great memories as they became close friends and fun times with Worthington high school and track and field years. She will be missed by All, but not forgotten. June Patterson

Rob, Monica, Lauren and Trey Hitchens purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Southwestern Central High School: Class of 1976 purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

To the Barrens - 

While the shock and sadness has definitely not faded away, we have been overwhelmed with happy thoughts of Wink these last few days. As I (Chris) think about all my great Princeton memories, it seems like Wink was part of so many of them. It is amazing to think that 45 years ago, long before Cottage and Club 18 and not long after we moved into Hamilton Hall, Mike first introduced me to Wink. Since then, I don't recall ever seeing her without a smile on her face, I am sure that she brought joy to everyone with whom she ever interacted, and I suspect that for many others, as it was for us, hers was a joy that stayed with you. She was truly one of a kind. I am so glad Lorraine got a chance to meet her as well - we still have cherished memories of visiting you in Ohio 25 years ago, and of fun times at Reunions. 

Our sincere condolences, thoughts, prayers and love to you as you mourn her loss. The pain will always be there, but as I am sure you know, Wink will always have a special place in all our hearts.  

Chris and Lorraine Daniel

The Goodwins were devastated to hear of Wink's passing. She was a bright light in the Weydon Road neighborhood, and we've so missed her constant presence and good humor the past couple of years. We're embarrassed to say we found out about her death later than most, but our hearts go out to Mike, Christine, Nick and Pat. We could always tell what a loving family Wink had created. Wink was the neighbor everyone wants. She was a force that will be missed by all who knew her.


We hope the family knows that if there is anything they need, all they have to do is ask.

I am so sad to hear this. We were neighbors for many years prior to their move to Cincinnati. My heart goes out to Mike, Christine, Nick and Pat and their extended families. If it wasn’t for Winky I would have never become a runner. We started walking at the school which turned into running because it was faster. She was always out working in the yard or playing with the kids. She will be remembered by her constant smile and energy.  Delene Rau

I am so sad to hear of Wink’s passing. My heart goes out to Mike, her family and all those that loved her. From the moment we met as children in Lakewood we shared a wonderful friendship. Her joy of life was contagious. There are so many memories of times shared that I cherish. May you find healing through your memories and comfort through the love of family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy, Kathy and Steve Reynolds Hirschfeld

3 files added to the album Memories Album

Winkie made all those Worthington baseball seasons a heck of a lot more fun-from little league through high school-she was the life of the sideline.

Mike & Family -
Words cannot express our sadness.  Wink was a shining light that brightened any room that she entered.  Her kind and warm heart impacted so many and that impact will be felt for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Love -
John & Lisa Marra

This is so profoundly sad. The Niden family were so gracious and kind to me and Wink was one my very favorite people at SWCS. She was impossible not to like and she brought so much joy to every gathering. Her laugh!! It was with complete abandon as she would throw her head back and out would come a cacophonous ratta tat tat of pure exhilaration. If you were near you were smiling…no way to stop it it you tried. A true angel on earth…
My condolences to the entire family…I can only imagine your pain. I hope your grieving process heals the wound and that you are filled with the happiest of memories forever.
Jace Beckstrand

My condolences to the Barren and Niden families. I grew up with Wink in Lakewood and can still to this day hear her beautiful and contagious laugh. Far to early she has been taken from us all. I am so sorry for everyone’s loss and am grateful for having Wink be a foundational friendship in my life.
Val Saxton Tigh

18 files added to the album Memories Album

Touching Tribute Spray was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Wilma "Wink" Barren.

OBITUARIO

Wilma "Wink" Barren

18 noviembre, 1957 – 3 julio, 2021

Schoedinger Worthington

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