Timeline for Renata "Renee" Widor
Born: May 15, 1978
Died: April 2, 2021
Renata “Renee” Widor, 42, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021, losing her battle with drug addiction. Through much of her adulthood, she struggled to break free from its merciless grip. Renee was much more than her addiction though: she was a wonderful person full of promise gone too early.
Daughter of Krystyna Widor and the late Edward Widor, Renee was born in Springfield on May 15, 1978 and spent much of her life in Ludlow. Renee was caring, smart, and adventurous. Growing up, she loved biking and exploring the neighborhood with her siblings, friends, and cousins. She loved roller coasters, Riverside, and Six Flags as well as going to the Eastfield Mall. A favorite spot to explore was Camp White where she liked to catch tadpoles. Renee was especially passionate about animals, bringing home countless cats, dogs, and other pets (something she would continue to do even recently, when she rescued a cowering, injured dog from downtown Springfield). She dreamed of becoming a veterinarian when she grew up.
A graduate of Ludlow High School, Renee developed a budding talent as an artist. She was a cheerleader and ran cross-country and track. Her bright disposition and friendly, compassionate nature attracted her to lots of people. She also first started her drug use in high school—it seemed like harmless, youthful experimentation. For Renee however, it became the addiction that would slowly consume her life.
Renee gained motivation to seek recovery with the birth of her daughter, Keyana. Kiki was the love of her life. Renee remained driven to the very end to find a way to get better not only for herself but also for Kiki. She feared losing Kiki, but—more than anything—she wanted Kiki to succeed and to have a better life. Renee’s innumerable recovery efforts would take her from Pittsfield to Cape Cod. On the Cape, she was admitted to Angel House, which gave her and Kiki stable shelter and a chance to rehabilitate away from her existing chaotic surroundings, negative triggers, and enablers. Renee cherished the quiet moments, spending time with Kiki walking the beaches and searching for seashells or cuddling up to watch a movie. Renee seemed to have turned a corner and was upbeat about her future, the prospect of finding a steady job, and possibly returning to school to pursue graphic design.
Drug addiction is unforgiving, leaving a rubble of destruction that doesn’t disappear after recovery. Drug addicts, especially women and mothers like Renee, also face significant social stigmatization. Renee continued to battle for years, relapsing but always hoping she would prevail.
Renee was a human being with a substance use disorder. She was an amazing, kind person with hopes and dreams and tremendous potential. She was a compassionate person who would take in vulnerable animals. She was an aspiring artist. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Renee is at last free.
Renee is survived by her treasured daughter Keyana Cope of Ludlow; her mother Krystyna Widor of Ludlow; her brother Thomas Widor and his wife Sarah of Washington, DC; and her sister Theresa Gornall and her husband Justin of Valrico, FL as well as her nieces and nephews Bryant, Logan, John, and Ellie. She was predeceased by her father Edward Widor in 2011. Renee was a member of Christ the King Parish in Ludlow.
Services are private. Renee will be laid to rest in St. Aloysius Cemetery reunited with her doting dad and beloved grandmother, Julia Widor.
Donations may be made in Renee’s memory to the Housing Assistance Corporation, the nonprofit affordable housing organization that operates Angel House, at https://haconcapecod.org/make-donation.
If you or someone close to you needs help for a substance use disorder, please talk to a doctor or call or visit SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP or https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov.
In memory of Renata "Renee" Widor, Melissa Cavallini lit a candle
I reamer when me nd my twin sister was Lil we used to go swimming in ur pool with our older sister u were very nice r.i.p Renee
I’m am so sorry to hear about, I knew Renee from school and she was definitely a great person with a big heart, my condolences to her family RIP Renee gone way to soon
My deepest condolences to the widor family. Me & my daughter Mariah are very saddened by the loss of renee. I have many good memories of hanging out with her & my daughters mother during the summer nights laughing & dancing by the pool. My daughter Mariah was friends with kiki throughout the years as well. RIP Renee
My sincere condolences go out to the Widor family at this trying time. Renee was always kind to me and talked to me. I was quite a shy individual in high school. That meant a great deal to me. I know plenty about drug addiction as well. I once had an addiction too. I made it through. She didn’t but she is resting in peace now. My thoughts and Prayers go out to all of her family and friends. I graduated with her brother Tom. From the bottom of my heart I’m sorry for your loss Tom. God bless, and one thing for sure she is free from the grip of addiction now. Her daughter will always have her by her side. She will protect her and guide her in the right direction. Hold on to the good memories. I’m sure you all have quite a bit. Take care.
My heart goes out to the widor family. Renee was an amazing woman and im glad to have met her and had her in my life. May she rest in peace...
Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you during this difficult time. Thank you for bravely highlighting Renee's courage and determination in fighting the disease of addiction. It is a witness of strength to others who struggle with the disease. Lin Grace Rohr Director of Angel House
RIP
Krystyna and Kiki, I am so sorry for your loss. Renee loved both of you more than anything. She enjoyed going over to dinner and doing anything and everything for you Kiki. Even thou, she had her battle and struggle with substances she loved you more than anything in this world. She was one of the most caring, loving, funny, and adventurous woman I have ever met. She was one of my best friends and I will miss her tremendously. I love her and my heart is very heavy now. RIP Renee Love Always, Amie
Krystyna, Tom, Theresa, and Keyana, My deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. The tribute to Renee is beautiful and painfully honest. May your happy memories of her and her spirit be a comfort to you in your profound sorrow.
My deepest condolences to the Widor family. I was lucky enough to grow up across the street from Renee and in 1987 when I moved to Ludlow she was the first person to welcome me to the neighborhood. Renee and I spent countless hours riding bikes, going to Camp White and catching tadpoles and salamanders. I will always have the fondest childhood memories with her. RIP Renee ❤️
Renee was a beautiful person. She definitely had a love for animals like no other. I fondly remember our trips to Camp White collecting tadpoles and playing with her guinea pigs in her childhood home on Church Street. I remember our trips to the Eastfield Mall and sleepovers and a lot of wonderful, happy times. My heart goes out to all of her family and friends.....and of course, Keyana. I hope you know how amazing your mother was and that she fought so hard for you......and loved you so very much. She was fighting a terrible disease and sadly lost her battle, but her memory will live on through all of us. ? My heart hurts but I will fight for people like Renee. Being an addict has awful stigmas attached to it and they're often so, so inaccurate. It is my hope that in my lifetime, more resources become available to people suffering from addiction. It is often a very lonely and painful experience for the addict, but also their family. Sending all of you love and light. Renee will be sorely missed and was loved beyond measure.
Tom, Sarah and family, Tom we are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. Your words about her are precious and really show the true person she was. Our heartfelt sympathy to you all. Sincerely, Jim & Jean Fallon
Tom, Sarah and Family, you honor your sister well, and hope the memories you have, will hold you in comfort as you mourn her passing.
All Services are private
Donations may be made in Renee’s memory to the Housing Assistance Corporation, the nonprofit affordable housing organization that operates Angel House, at https://haconcapecod.org/make-donation
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.
In memory of Renata "Renee" Widor, Melissa Cavallini lit a candle
I reamer when me nd my twin sister was Lil we used to go swimming in ur pool with our older sister u were very nice r.i.p Renee
I’m am so sorry to hear about, I knew Renee from school and she was definitely a great person with a big heart, my condolences to her family RIP Renee gone way to soon
My deepest condolences to the widor family. Me & my daughter Mariah are very saddened by the loss of renee. I have many good memories of hanging out with her & my daughters mother during the summer nights laughing & dancing by the pool. My daughter Mariah was friends with kiki throughout the years as well. RIP Renee
My sincere condolences go out to the Widor family at this trying time. Renee was always kind to me and talked to me. I was quite a shy individual in high school. That meant a great deal to me. I know plenty about drug addiction as well. I once had an addiction too. I made it through. She didn’t but she is resting in peace now. My thoughts and Prayers go out to all of her family and friends. I graduated with her brother Tom. From the bottom of my heart I’m sorry for your loss Tom. God bless, and one thing for sure she is free from the grip of addiction now. Her daughter will always have her by her side. She will protect her and guide her in the right direction. Hold on to the good memories. I’m sure you all have quite a bit. Take care.
My heart goes out to the widor family. Renee was an amazing woman and im glad to have met her and had her in my life. May she rest in peace...
Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you during this difficult time. Thank you for bravely highlighting Renee's courage and determination in fighting the disease of addiction. It is a witness of strength to others who struggle with the disease. Lin Grace Rohr Director of Angel House
RIP
Krystyna and Kiki, I am so sorry for your loss. Renee loved both of you more than anything. She enjoyed going over to dinner and doing anything and everything for you Kiki. Even thou, she had her battle and struggle with substances she loved you more than anything in this world. She was one of the most caring, loving, funny, and adventurous woman I have ever met. She was one of my best friends and I will miss her tremendously. I love her and my heart is very heavy now. RIP Renee Love Always, Amie
Krystyna, Tom, Theresa, and Keyana, My deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. The tribute to Renee is beautiful and painfully honest. May your happy memories of her and her spirit be a comfort to you in your profound sorrow.
My deepest condolences to the Widor family. I was lucky enough to grow up across the street from Renee and in 1987 when I moved to Ludlow she was the first person to welcome me to the neighborhood. Renee and I spent countless hours riding bikes, going to Camp White and catching tadpoles and salamanders. I will always have the fondest childhood memories with her. RIP Renee ❤️
Renee was a beautiful person. She definitely had a love for animals like no other. I fondly remember our trips to Camp White collecting tadpoles and playing with her guinea pigs in her childhood home on Church Street. I remember our trips to the Eastfield Mall and sleepovers and a lot of wonderful, happy times. My heart goes out to all of her family and friends.....and of course, Keyana. I hope you know how amazing your mother was and that she fought so hard for you......and loved you so very much. She was fighting a terrible disease and sadly lost her battle, but her memory will live on through all of us. ? My heart hurts but I will fight for people like Renee. Being an addict has awful stigmas attached to it and they're often so, so inaccurate. It is my hope that in my lifetime, more resources become available to people suffering from addiction. It is often a very lonely and painful experience for the addict, but also their family. Sending all of you love and light. Renee will be sorely missed and was loved beyond measure.
Tom, Sarah and family, Tom we are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. Your words about her are precious and really show the true person she was. Our heartfelt sympathy to you all. Sincerely, Jim & Jean Fallon
Tom, Sarah and Family, you honor your sister well, and hope the memories you have, will hold you in comfort as you mourn her passing.
Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.