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Barbara Wank

The world lost a true mensch. Barbara Wank passed away on January 12, 2022, at the age of 89.  Diagnosed with cancer two years ago, she maintained her independent and active lifestyle until the end, enjoying visits from family and friends, tending flowers, doing crossword puzzles, cooking, driving in the county, and binge-watching Netflix. Death came peacefully after several days at a hospice in Mount Joy surrounded by her family.

Barbara Ann Wank (née Plotkin) was born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 28, 1932, the only child of immigrant Jewish parents from Russia. Her father, Samuel, was a self-made roofing and sheet-metal contractor, and her mother, Elsie, worked as a bookkeeper for a cosmetic company.  After attending the city’s public schools, Barbara majored in French at Goucher College. She received a teaching certification from Teachers College and taught in New York public schools.

She met her life partner Solomon Wank on a blind date at Chock full o’ Nuts in 1953. They were introduced by a mutual friend who saw them as kindred spirits in their senses of humor and politics; they were the only people he knew who favored admitting “Red” China to the United Nations.  Married in 1955, they moved to Lancaster in 1961 when Sol began teaching history at Franklin & Marshall College and were inseparable until he died on March 19, 2014.

Always eager to learn and help others, Barbara obtained a master’s degree in mental health from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1977 and established a therapy practice in Lancaster. She served on the boards of mental health organizations and did volunteer counseling at the Lancaster County Prison and elsewhere in the community. Other volunteer activities included serving as a clinic escort for Planned Parenthood and, until her cancer diagnosis, reading stories to students in the Carter & McRae Elementary School.

Her political activism was extensive. She worked tirelessly to elect progressive political candidates at all levels, beginning with door-to-door canvassing in the 1952 presidential campaign of Adlai Stevenson.  She joined organizations, marches, and vigils—from civil rights and opposing the Vietnam War in the 1960s to the Women’s March and Black Lives Matter in the 2010s.  She also participated in  a women’s consciousness-raising group in the late 1960s, served as the Lancaster organizer of the Indo-China Peace Campaign in 1972, and donated generously to local and national charities and social justice organizations.  Over the years, she expressed her political views in many letters to the editor in Lancaster newspapers, including, from 2016 on, dozens of witty limericks on Trump policies she found most egregious.

Her aesthetic sense was acute and wide-ranging.  She and Solomon not only enthusiastically acquired art, but Barbara proved an accomplished artist herself.  In particular, her ceramic sculptures earned rave reviews, first from friends and then from fellow artists and local galleries who featured her work.  She founded The Gallery in the early 1970s, a pioneering contemporary craft store in Lancaster, and was happy to help family and friends with the designs and interior decorations of their homes.

Barbara’s love and energy radiated out from her family to her friends.  Her children and grandchildren cherished their conversations and laughter with her.  She was always willing to lend an ear when friends called in times of need.  True and loyal, she was beloved for her keen observations, design ideas, and wonderful sense of humor. All felt a special connection with her.

She is survived by her children, David Wank and Sarah de Leon, and her grandchildren, Daniel de Leon and Alice and Tobias Ashiwa. While grieving our loss, we are gratified that her spirit lives on in the many people she touched. The family plans to hold an online celebration of her life in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local charity of your choice.

Cremation Services of Lancaster  717-273-6283

14 Comments (Open | Close)

14 Comments To "Barbara Wank"

#1 Comment By Darlene Oberg On January 19, 2022 @ 8:45 am

So sorry for your loss. I was a member of the art group that Barbara once belonged to. We enjoyed her companionship, artistic and intellectual insights, and were inspired by her for many years.

#2 Comment By Susan Shearer On January 19, 2022 @ 5:17 pm

I am so saddened to hear of Barbara’s passing. I just had an email from her on January 1 and had no idea that she would be gone so soon. She was an inspiration and a joy who all who knew her – we loved having her in our knitting group before covid ended our in-person gatherings. I remember how much she loved making a sweater for her grandson – after we all helped pick the yarn at Flying Fibers. Sending love to all the family.

#3 Comment By Kim Shafer On January 20, 2022 @ 9:41 am

Barbara and her husband were patients at a dental office I worked at and I always looked forward to seeing her. She was one of my favorites. I remember one day being out to breakfast with my husband at A cafe downtown and Barbara came in alone and we insisted she join us. My husband said now I understand why you like her so much, she is an amazing lady! I am glad I had that breakfast with her. I was sad to hear of her passing.

#4 Comment By Kathy Gleason On January 26, 2022 @ 10:51 am

Barbara’s passing is an immense loss to her family, friends and community. She is a fine example of a life well lived. Barbara had been a wonderful friend to me since 2011 when we volunteered on the Obama campaign. We visited the White House together twice, memories I will always cherish. She was unique in her willingness and ability to see the perspective of the other side. I’ve never known anyone more intelligent, kind or generous. I’ll miss our lunches and our lively conversations. Please accept my sincere condolences, and know that I loved her too. May she rest in peace.

#5 Comment By David Wank On January 27, 2022 @ 6:43 am

Thanks for your wonderful memory Kathy. We miss Mom, but she lived such a full and satisfying life so we are both mourning our loss, while celebrating her existence.
Are you working at the F&M Center for Opinion Research?
I recall Mom being invited to the Obama for a gathering of democratic party activists. Is this what you are referring to?

#6 Comment By Kathy Gleason On February 23, 2022 @ 7:58 am

David, yes, I still work at F&M Center for Opinion Research. Your mother and I were volunteers on Obama’s re-election campaign. We were fortunate enough to be invited to attend the White House 4th of July picnic in 2012, and we also toured the West Wing later that year with Sarah and Dan. Your mom volunteered on Obama’s 2008 campaign too, I believe.

#7 Comment By Andy Esbenshade On January 27, 2022 @ 8:50 am

Your mom was an amazing person. I was fortunate to have known her since grade school. And crossed paths with both her and your father my entire life. Im sorry for your loss.

#8 Comment By Mary Anne Duffy On January 27, 2022 @ 9:28 am

Many voices can speak of Barbara. When you have the privilege of getting to know her; your own wisdom & sense of humor become inspiring. She shared 2 special ones with me. First, knowing Barbara & Sol, I once asked
” How do you both get along being opposites?” Her reply, ” Sol & I differ on everything except what is most important, their beliefs.” A wisdom that guides me in all relationships.
Second, she allowed me to chef in their glorious new kitchen for 5 people. Included a bottle of red wine for the chef & she was the sous chef.
Certainly, a woman of many talents. As happens we drifted apart.
Peace and serenity be with you always.
Dr Mary Anne Duffy

#9 Comment By Jan Yamaguchi On January 27, 2022 @ 12:01 pm

David and Sarah,
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Your mom was an amazing woman! I hope the thousands of happy memories helps to ease her absence in your lives.

#10 Comment By Sharon Goldstein On January 27, 2022 @ 10:45 pm

Dear Sarah and David-
I was so sad to hear about your Mom’s passing, and I’m sorry for your loss.

I have fond memories of my Aunt Barbara-I felt a connection with her, even thou we didn’t see your family as often as I would have liked. I always appreciated her warmth and care. You were all lucky to have her, and I know how much she will missed. XO

#11 Comment By Stephen Smith On January 28, 2022 @ 4:14 pm

David and Sarah – I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a truly wonderful, lovely, strong, caring and all around, amazing woman. Together with your Father, they were a formidable team. I am thankful to have known her. And always grateful to be invited to your house for dinner in Jr. and Sr. Highschool. To this day I still try to create her famous salad dressing! 🙏🏼☺️

#12 Comment By Natalie Fleming On January 29, 2022 @ 8:57 pm

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Wank, I am lucky enough to call her daughter my friend, and have had the pleasure of meeting her son. From all I have heard, she was a force of good in this world, and was loved dearly by those who knew her. I always enjoyed hearing about her life, and know that her spirit lives on in her children and grandchildren. My deepest condolences to the family.

#13 Comment By Linda Cunningham On January 31, 2022 @ 9:22 pm

Barbara and Sol became dear close friends shortly after I met them at my first interview for a teaching position in the Franklin and Marshall art department in January 1976. Our close friendship evolved and continued in many forms so we met in New York, in Lancaster, Berlin, and Cologne for my wedding with my partner celebrated on a party boat on the river Rhine. They own more of my art work both sculptures and drawings than any other single individual or couple. Barbara was a refuge during tough times in my life and the most amazing art critic/ admirer. with warmth and praise she could raise a question about one aspect of my new art work that wasn’t working. Back in 1979 when I was working 16 hours a day to finish a big sculpture installation to be erected on the Fordham Univ. plaza at Lincoln Center Barbara was even running a high speed metal grinder doing finishing work on the bronze. I will need to keep her with me in my heart.

#14 Comment By Michael Nakao & Kate McDonnell On February 1, 2022 @ 9:40 pm

Barbara was a very dear friend. Two years ago when Kate and I heard that she had cancer and decided on Hospice Care, we decided to visit as soon as possible, one of the best decisions we ever made. At that point we were friends, but not as close as we were to become over the next two years and many visits, often with Gus, our dog, whom she loved.

Barbara was full of righteous fire, full of curiosity, full of happiness, full of life. We loved our long discussions and especially loved to laugh together (we once laughed so loud the neighbors noticed with pleasure).

Although Barbara had a terminal illness, one would never have known it, as if she were saying: “I am alive and enjoying life every minute…until I am not.” Barbara was admirable and wonderful and fun. We love her always.