Barbara R. Wright

Barbara Richter Wright passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24^th, 2024 in Crofton, Maryland at the age of 87.  The beloved matriarch of a large, lively family she will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Born on October 19, 1936 in Olney, Maryland to Jean (Potter) and Robert Richter, Barbara’s early years and adolescence were spent between Kensington, Maryland and Long Island, New York.  She summered often in Maine surrounded by the Richter family including her favorite Uncle Pete who she would frequently say significantly influenced her life in so many positive ways and to whom she remained close until his death in 2021 at age 96.

Early on, Barbara demonstrated a natural talent for drawing and sketching, often entering in and winning local contests.  This artistic talent would later become a huge defining part of Barbara’s interests and passions throughout her life.

When Barbara was a teenager, her parents divorced and her mother relocated to Washington, DC where she met and married Barbara’s step father, Lawrence Pinckney.  There, Barbara attended Roosevelt High School where she met the love of her life, William Wright, Jr.  After graduating in 1954, Barbara and Bill married and settled first in Greenbelt, Maryland, during which time daughters Kathy and Sue were born, and then moved to Bowie, Maryland where son William joined the family.   Barbara loved being a wife and mother while also being able to express her artistic talents in many ways.  She made the best Halloween costumes for her kids.  The Wright family Christmas tree was always the most beautiful.  She was an avid gardener.  She loved decorating the family home with drapes she made and wallpaper she hung.  She was also incredibly resourceful.  There was no task she shied from.  If she didn’t know how to do something, she would read a book to learn how and would re-wire the lamp, build the brick planter box she saw in a magazine, replace the broken dryer belt, fix the leaky faucet.  There was literally nothing she couldn’t do.  She was the cool mom.

After her children got a little older, Barbara’s artistic gene leapt into full gear.  She began making “clothespin dolls” that she sold at local shops.  They were enormously popular.  Barbara would often custom-make bride & groom clothespin cake-top couples for USNA graduates getting married at the Chapel.  She mastered toll and watercolor painting, wreath making, and won competitions for the miniature design scenes she created.   

After her beloved husband passed in 1986, Barbara decided to rejoin the workforce.  She went to night school to learn how to use computers and the latest software.  She held a few administrative jobs before joining National Wildlife Federation where she found great personal satisfaction supporting a cause she believed in while utilizing her new found skills. 

After Barbara retired from NWF, she served on her Crofton neighborhood association board for several years responsible for architectural oversight.  But what gave her the most pleasure was time spent with her beloved family.  Known as “Meems” to her grands and greats, she loved family gatherings, delighting in sharing food, fun and wine with those she cherished the most.  

Barbara battled cancer the last five years of her life.  Her positive attitude never wavered.  Through it all she demonstrated an unmatched perseverance and appreciation for every single day.  Her passing will leave an everlasting void in the family.

Barbara is survived by her brother Lauren Richter, half-sisters Robin Anderson and Kim Loffredo, daughters Kathy Reigel (Steve) and Sue Wiman (Michael), grandchildren Megan Magnus (Ezra), Heather Harpine (Joe), Ryan Reigel (Candace) and William Wright IV (Caroline), four great grandchildren (Henley, Bentley, Ella, and Savannah) as well as many loving cousins and friends including her dearest friend, Martha Brown, whom she knew for over 60 years.  She is predeceased by her husband William Wright, Jr., son William Wright III, half-brother Thomas Pinckney, stepbrother James Pinckney, and step-sister Mary Moscati.    

The family would like to thank the staff at Spring Arbor Senior Living in Crofton, Maryland, for their loving care and support during a very difficult time.

There will be a private burial at Fort Lincoln Cemetery on Saturday, June 8^th.  The family is planning a Celebration of Life event to be scheduled in the near future and will provide details once they are available.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation: https://www.aamds.org/donate.