Barbara Ann Nixon, 85, was peacefully taken into the Lord’s hands on January 2, 2022. She was born in Vincennes, Indiana on May 3, 1936 and moved to Phoenix, Arizona with her mother and four siblings at the age of nine. She attended St. Agnes Elementary School, where she met and developed close friendships lasting her entire lifetime. She attended St. Mary’s High School, where she met the love of her life Francis (Jerry) Nixon. In February 1954, Barbara and Jerry married and purchased their first home in Scottsdale in 1957. Over their years in Scottsdale, they raised five children. In 1979, they built the family cabin in Forest Lakes, Arizona where many memories were made with her husband, children and grandchildren. When Jerry retired in 1992, the cabin became their summer residence where she enjoyed planting flowers, gardening and family time with her children and grandchildren. Barbara had a love of baseball, sharing it with her children and grandchildren. More recently, she enjoyed watching the Phoenix Suns. She and her husband enjoyed family trips to San Diego and northern Arizona, including their travels to Europe and Canada.
Our loving mother was devoted to the Catholic church. She was the matriarch of our family, often looked to for advice and guidance, sharing the simplicity of what was important in life. She was a strong, kind, caring and compassionate woman who loved her family. With her love of genealogy, she spent many years researching her family history with her sister Jane.
Barbara was a loving daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (Nana) to many. She was the light of our world, always going above and beyond to make each person feel special and loved. Although she will be missed tremendously, the family is comforted knowing she has been reunited with her husband and son Kelly.
She was preceded in death by her parents Marceline and Robert Jones, brother Phillip Jones (Sandy, surviving spouse), husband Jerry Nixon and son Kelly Nixon (Kynda, surviving spouse). She is survived by her brother David Jones (Aileen), sisters Jane Bertocchi (Richard) and Lynda Munson; children Shawn Nixon (Laura), Dennis Nixon (Rhonda, deceased), Daniel (Catherine) and Kaitlynn Schmidt (Andrew); grandchildren Shane, Hayley (Max), Brett (step-grandchild), Jessica, Ashley, Joshua, Zane, Jerome, Justin, Annika (Oliver), Jarrett, Makayla, Cheney and Ainslee; great-grandchildren Connor, Mason, Chloe, Nixon, Simon, Dani-Renee, and Milo.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at St. Anne Roman Catholic Parish, 440 E. Elliot Road Gilbert, Arizona and will also be streamed live at www.Stanneaz.org (click Live / You Tube / Facebook at bottom of home page); followed by a reception at Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse 1600 E. Lakeside Drive Gilbert, Arizona. A family graveside service will be held the following day. Barbara touched the hearts of many and will be deeply missed.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.” – Leo Buscaglia
John Weidman
I will certainly miss Barbara. She always made me feel like a part of the family. Great memories!
DennisStark
Mrs. Nixon was my second Mom, I spent as much time at their house as I did my own. The Best part is I was treated like family. I never lost contact my Wife and I visited Mr. & Mrs. Nixon at there cabin. I was Blessed to know these two kind souls. I also admired the love these two had, They were always be each others side. As I’m sure they are now. Mrs. Nixon, Thank you for opening your home to me and spending time with your family, It is a memory I will never forget. Until we see one another again. God Bless you, My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the family.
Dennis & Crystal Stark
Jane and Dick Bertocchi
We loved traveling with you and doing family history we love you
NORMA JEANNE WEST
IN MY PRAYERS AND WISHING YOU YOUR HEAVENLY PEACE, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.
Tiffany Wilson
Sending lots of love to the family. I grew up living right next door. I would see Barbra and the family all the time when growing up. My heart goes out to you all! Also my mom and dad send their sincere condolences. Please let us know if you need a hand or a shoulder!
Love,
Tiffany, Josh, Brady, Bella, Victoria and Les
Molly Nixon
Aunt Barbara was my mom away from home as a kid visiting my cousins “Karen” and Dan and Uncle Jerry (brother to my dad Paul, rest in peace). Her smiling face at all different ages is imprinted in my mind, she had the best smile and laugh! I know how much her kids, grand kids, and great grand ones adored her
David and Aileen Jones
We have wonderful memories of our trips to Europe with Barb and Jerry , and being shown the beauty of the West.
Barb always exuded love and laughter when we had the pleasure of her company. She was truly a cherished sister to both of us
Her heaven is being with Jerry and Kelly again. Dave and Aileen
David Jones
We have wonderful memories of our trips to Europe with Barb and Jerry, and being shown the beauty of the West. Barb always exuded love and laughter when we had the pleasure of her company. She was truly a cherished sister to both of us. Her heaven is being with Jerry and Kelly again.
Dave and Aileen
M Jones
Barb will be missed. To all the family.
Barry Eager
Mrs Nixon,
Thank you for making me part of your family. I cant remeber a single time that when I saw you that you didn’t immediately have a smile on your face and and a warmth that always made me feel good. I was lucky to have known you. Some people make the world a better place just for having been in it…you are one of those people. You are missed…Love Barry
Derek Rast
My deepest condolences. JaNae and I had the extreme blessing of having both Jerry and Barbara in our lives while living next door. They were amazing people and brought to all of those around them. They will both be missed, but I am so happy they are finally reunited.
Derek and JaNae Rast
Barbara and Cletus (Don) Flanigan
We send our deepest love and prayers to the precious family of our friend,Barbara Nixon, As they go through the valley of tears at the loss of their loved one. From our hearts to your hearts. Barbara and Cletus (Don) Flanigan