Mrs. Barbara E. Wiedenheft, of Chincoteague, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, fantastic baker, and first-class hostess, passed away suddenly on Dec. 18 at 77. A celebration of life service honoring Barbara will be announced at a later date. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Wiedenheft; her daughter, Nina Hickman; son-in-law, Michael Hickman; grandson, Colin Hickman; her identical twin sister, Maggie Porter; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who love her.
Originally hailing from Leeds, England, Barbara enjoyed traveling and experiencing new cultures. She lived in France, Holland, and Tunisia before moving to the United States in 1985. Barbara had a gift for learning languages; she was fluent in French and Dutch and very proficient in German, Arabic, and Spanish as well. This talent became quite handy when she and her husband, David, moved to Chincoteague in 1992 and became the innkeepers at Miss Molly’s Inn Bed & Breakfast and had many international visitors. Barbara and David expanded with the purchase of The Channel Bass Inn in 1995. Their success as innkeepers was due in great part to guests coming back again and again for Barbara’s delicious afternoon teas, world-famous scones, and welcoming and attentive care.
After retiring in 2021, Barbara spent as much time as she could with her family and grandson, Colin, whom she adored, and in the company of good friends, of which she had many. Barbara was the kind of person who loved to engage in conversation; she paid attention to the details of your life and cared deeply about your story. This love and loyalty to the people she connected with earned her lifelong friendships from around the world.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Sylvia Black, and her brother, Anthony Black.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
