The 83 uses the same recoil spring as the 82, and while I find the 82 to be "slightly" stiff, It's hard to say without knowing your wife's grip strength. I'm sure it's something she can handle as it's not something she needs to do repeatedly throughout the day. The hammer is easy to cock.
With some of the newer .380 loads available, it can be a very useful SD round.
I think she'd like the way the 83 shoots. It's a bit heavier than most .380 with its steel frame, but the tradeoff is in the reduced felt recoil. If she can cycle the slide okay, a heavier recoil spring will reduce the recoil even further. Wolff makes a nice set for a resaonable price.
I thoroughly enjoy my 82, even in its 9mm Mak round, and once I get my hands on a good holster, it will fill a slot in my CC lineup.