Winifred Anne Reidy Widman, known to her family and friends as "Wini," passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the age of 98.

She was the daughter of Elizabeth Frances O'Connor Reidy of Hallstead, Pennsylvania, and Richard Joseph Reidy, who immigrated to America from Kilgarvin, Ireland at the end of the 19th century. Wini was one of 8 Reidy children: Jane Reidy Murphy, Margaret Reidy Laux, Harry Reidy, Mary Reidy, Helen Reidy McInerney, Betsy Reidy Schiefen, and Richard (Dick) Reidy. Wini and her siblings were all smart, good-looking, and caring people who loved family and friends. But Wini liked to recount that her mother once looked at her and said: "Wini, you are my most different child". Wini lived her life with a positive outlook and understandably considered her mother's comment to be a compliment. We are certain that it was just so.

Wini attended Elmira College in 1950, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. Wini remained fluent in French throughout her life. After graduation, Wini travelled throughout post-war Europe, thanks to the generosity of her sister Margaret and brother-in-law Dan. She delivered needed clothes and other staples to relatives in war-torn Germany. She never forgot the abject poverty she observed, and the gratitude those relatives expressed for bathrobes, skating outfits and other give-aways that helped them survive a cold winter without heat or running water.

Before she left for Europe, Wini went on a date with Ed Widman, thanks to some matchmaking by her sister Margaret. Ed was a highly decorated fighter pilot for the duration of World War II, and was somewhat of a celebrity in Elmira when he returned from the War. Margaret and Dan thought he might be a perfect fit for Wini, even though he was 12 years her senior. However, according to Wini, when Margaret first proposed to arrange a date with Ed, she responded incredulously: "Ed Widman? He is at least 10 years older than me! Why don't you fix me up with my father?!"

In the end, love conquers all (even a 12 year age difference), so Wini went on the date and fell in love with Ed; so much so that she told Margaret and Dan that she didn't want to go to Europe for fear of losing Ed. Dan advised her that, if Ed was good enough for her, he would wait for her. Ed did wait and, when Wini returned, he proposed to her. They were married 6 weeks later, on December 30, 1950.

Wini and Ed built a life in Elmira, sharing a home at 1224 West Clinton Street for nearly 35 years. They wasted little time starting a family, with the first three children (Francis Edward, Stephen Connor, John Harry) arriving in succession in June '52, August '53 and January '55. Seven years later, they had their first and only daughter, Mary Anne. The family enjoyed life outdoors, golfing, swimming, tennis, hiking, fishing, and biking. Wini and Ed would often join her siblings and their families at Jane Reidy Murphy's Keuka Lake property and later at Dick and Teresa Reidy's Keuka Lake property.

For nearly 40 years, Wini operated a highly regarded estate sales business in Elmira, and through self-study, became a recognized expert in the identification and value of prized furnishings, artwork, glassware, and jewelry. She often consulted with experts at Sotheby's, Christies, and other world-renowned auction houses, who came to appreciate Wini's expertise and her service as a portal to the hidden riches in the Southern Tier of New York State.

Wini was an avid tennis player, ice skater, and golfer, at one time winning the Elmira Country Club's Women's Championship. She was a dedicated volunteer for the American Heart Association and other charities. She was a devout Catholic, attending daily Mass throughout her life, and finishing each day by praying the Rosary. She was a committed volunteer to her parish, Our Lady of Lourdes in West Elmira, and served the needs of the parish throughout her life.

Wini and Ed lived in their West Clinton St home until Ed's death in January, 1989. Wini never remarried but enjoyed her life in Elmira for another 28 years. She missed Ed and life wasn't always easy for her after his death, but she tried to live by her oft-repeated mantra: "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall never be pushed out of shape."

In 2018, Wini relocated to Pennybyrn at Maryfield, an independent living Catholic community near Greensboro, North Carolina. Although she hated the thought of moving away from her brother and sister in law, Dick and Teresa, and her close friends, Cal and Jean, the move allowed her to move close to her son Ed and daughter in law Linda, and their four children Chris, Adam, Michael and Elise, along with Chris and his wife Christine's four children, Charlotte, Grant, Aidan, and Carter (collectively, "the Greensboro Widmans"), all of whom resided nearby and lovingly entertained Wini throughout her life in North Carolina.

Life at Pennybyrn was a perfect fit for Wini given her devotion to the Catholic Church and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Wini was able to attend daily mass in the Chapel at Pennybyrn and quietly pray the Rosary. She enjoyed the friendship of Sister Lucy, Pennybyrn's Chief Executive Officer, and the other Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, who served the spiritual and physical needs of Pennybyrn's residents.

Wini is survived by her brother, Richard; her four children and their spouses: Mary Ann Widman (Jim) Levins, Francis Edward (Linda) Widman Jr., Stephen Connor (Jessica) Widman, and John Harry (Lisa Zapson) Widman; her 17 grandchildren Christopher Widman, Adam Widman, Michael Widman, Elise Widman, Shannon Widman, Kelly Widman, James Widman, Connor Widman, Emma Widman, Kathryn Widman Schirosi, Carolyn Widman Swatzell, John Luke Widman, James G. Levins IV, Keely Levins Culligan, Augie Levins, Chloe Levins; her three grandchildren by marriage, Ben Lieber, Mars Chowdhury, and Evan Chowdhury; and her 13 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Edward Widman (Ed), her siblings Jane Reidy Murphy, Margaret Reidy Laux, Harry Reidy, Mary Reidy, Helen Reidy McInerney, Betsy Reidy Schiefen, and her grandson Paul Widman.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira New York at 11 am on Saturday, November 14, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations to ABILITIES TENNIS OF NORTH CAROLINA https://www.atanc.org/donate acknowledging Wini would be appreciated.

Wini lived a long and happy life, surrounded by family and friends who loved her and whom she loved. We will all miss her but, as Wini often said, "life must be lived forward and understood backward".