Obituary of Barbara Mantsch

Barbara Mantsch born July 14,1930, in Rumania passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2024, with her daughter by her side in Marana, Arizona.

Widow of George, Mother to Hannelore (Lore) Miller, Grandmother to Sherri Marie Sadowski Lopez and Jerrame Sadowski. Great Grandmother to Rafe Lopez; Jacob, Jonathan and Bradley Sadowski. Friend and mentor to so many.

Barbara was adventurous, feisty, and courageous in leaving her family in war torn Austria at the age of 21. Barbara migrated to the United States in 1952 with husband George, and their 3 year old daughter, through the Port of New York. With $30, a suitcase, and a desire to achieve the American dream, they settled into their new life in Rhode Island.

Both Barbara and her husband worked very hard to provide for their family and instill a work ethic to leave a lasting legacy to all generations to follow. Working for 26 years as a school cook in the Johnston, Rhode Island, school system was a job she truly enjoyed. Barbara had a love of helping others in any way she could. 

During her retirement, Barbara adored spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She looked forward to the changing of seasons in New England, especially the myriad of Autumn hued leaves and the first delicate snowflakes that fell in Winter (but only the first). Barbara enjoyed her freedom and was fiercely independent. While living in Smithfield, Rhode Island, she also spent many cherished years volunteering in church. 

Due to the fragile nature of her health, Barbara moved to Arizona in 2020 to be with, and cared for, by her daughter. Even in her tenth decade on Earth, Barbara marveled at learning and trying new things in Marana; from the Catalina mountains, San Xavier Mission, saguaro cactus, playful javelinas and warm Winter walks around a snowless neighborhood, to simple pleasures like pulled pork nachos and guacamole. The way her big blue eyes sparkled in the face of newness, and the sound of her sprightly laughter that always followed, will be sorely missed.

Barbara was truly the matriarch of the family. An overall generous and caring woman who had a passion for life, family, and the friends that were encountered along the way. 

You will be forever missed by all who were lucky enough to have been touched by your life.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 5-7pm in the Avalon Chapel at The Adair Funeral Home, 8090 N Northern Avenue, Oro Valley, AZ 85704 520-742-7901

Donations in lieu of flowers to Roots and Roads Community Hospice Foundation which provides numerous types of support services to patients of limited means per Casa de la Luz Hospice connection. www.rootsandroads.org