Barbara Ann Mancini

Barbara Ann Mancini (Niblett), age 83, of Newark, DE, passed suddenly from this life in the early hours of January 30, 2017. Born November 10, 1933, and raised in Wilmington, DE, Barbara was a 1951 graduate of Wilmington High School. As a child, Barbara enjoyed gymnastics, fishing, and spending summers with her family at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. At age 16, Barbara met her true love and lifetime soul mate, Henry Joseph Mancini. They later married on February 23, 1952, just after Barbara’s 18th birthday. Barbara and Henry spent nearly 65 years together, their anniversary taking place in just a few days. Their marriage was undeniably the truest picture of unconditional love and selfless devotion, and an inspiration to all who had the joy of knowing them. Barbara was a gracious and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was a Christian woman of incredible faith. Despite the physical challenges and hardships that Barbara suffered, she always found time to encourage and pray with others. Barbara was described as an “angel” and an “inspiration” by many. Her genuine faith and relationship with the Lord gave her the strength to overcome unbearable obstacles. Her tenacious love, faith, compassion, determination, and positive attitude deeply touched her family, friends, and neighbors. Barbara was an incredibly wise and intuitive woman. She always knew what to say to those whom she comforted. Barbara saw the best in people and encouraged them to believe in themselves. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved bringing laughter to others. Barbara will be missed but never forgotten. One day Barbara and her loved ones will be reunited to laugh together once again. Barbara was preceded in death by her granddaughter, ReneÃ© Deveney and her aunt and dear friend, Hazel Heidi Denney, who affectionately referred to her niece as Paumper from an early age. Barbara was briefly survived by her beloved husband, Henry, who joined her in glory only a few short days after her passing. Barbara will be sorely missed by her daughters, Debra Mancini Deveney of New Castle, and Donna A. Mancini of Tulsa, OK; granddaughter, Nicole Deveney Pennington (John) of Middletown; great grandchildren, Joshua, Noelle and Brooke Pennington; sister-in-law, Helen Mancini of Wilmington; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 Noon until 1 pm on Friday afternoon, February 17, 2017 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a joint celebration of life for both Barbara and Henry will begin at 1 pm. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle.