WILMINGTON — On October 29, 2026, the world stopped to let Barbara “Grammy” Cervero, 91, off. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, she also lived in Hamden and Seymour before eventually making her way to Wilmington, North Carolina.
Barbara had a cliché or an old saying for just about every situation. She enjoyed reading, watching movies, and listening to music, especially Kenny G. She always loved driving a convertible with the top down and the wind blowing through her hair. She appreciated good food and had a particular sweet tooth for ice cream and desserts. Never one to sit still, she always found ways to keep herself busy and especially loved opportunities to babysit her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fiercely independent, she lived by the idea that where there’s a will, there’s a way, remaining determined to do things for herself even as she grew older.
Barbara worked as a waitress at Consiglios and spent more than a decade as a live-in nanny for Elaine LaRoche and her family, returning to work with them over the years in both New York City and China. Her love of helping others extended to volunteering at Griffin Hospital, working for DCF helping children in crisis, and serving as a Visiting Angel caring for the elderly. She was also a member of the Branford Senior Center in Connecticut and later participated in the Elderhaus PACE program in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Barbara is survived by her six children, Cheryl, Mark, Jo Lee, Lisa, Anita, and Luanne; her grandchildren Jessica, Johnmichael, Mark, Mike, Trisha, Jonathon, Michael, and Johnny; and her many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son Ralph, granddaughter Christina, sister Charlene, and great-grandson Joshua.
A service will be held at a later date.
