On August 4th, Barbara “Pidge” Calvano passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 82. Pidge was brave, independent and one-of-a-kind. A born competitor, and, also, born pigeon-toed which earned her nickname from her father, she was smart and tough, a mama bear tucked into a small-yet-mighty body. To know Pidge was to laugh along with her jokes, though never as loudly or appreciatively as she did. She was sharp-witted and glowed brightly, her passion and warmth filling the childhood home she created for her beloved daughters Ann, Patty and Susie. Pidge graduated from Marquette University and taught elementary school. Once her girls were born, she became a realtor while also finding time to convert her passion for garage sales into a productive enterprise, the Pidgeon Coop in Cedarburg, which she opened with her sister-in-law, Jane Gral. Pidge was passionate about golf, her 36-hole-a-day preference earning her not only the Ozaukee Country Club Women’s Championship but, also, two holes in one in a single day of play. Pidge was an avid reader and a New York Times Crossword Puzzle completest, these two habits propelling her to countless Scrabble victories, her opponents amazed both at Pidge’s facility with words and unstinting love for competition.  

Pidge loved life and knew how to enjoy it. She shared her joie de vivre with family and friends. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters Ann Quale, Susan Brotz (Adam) and the late Patricia Best and a proud grandmother to her five grandsons, P.J. Quale, William Quale, Henry Miller, Tyler Brotz and Cayden Brotz. Always there in times of need for her family members, Pidge was a tremendous confidante, storyteller and the best partner-in-crime anyone could ask for.  

A celebration of Pidge’s life will be held on August 18, 2022 at Ozaukee Country Club, 10823 N. River Road, Mequon from 4 PM until 6 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society appreciated.