Barbara Kay (Nasser) Liem

Barbara Kay (Nasser) Liem passed away peacefully after a short illness on January 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Barbara was born on February 16, 1934, in Terre Haute, Indiana, where her parents, Kaleel and Doris Nasser, owned and operated a neighborhood grocery store. She was the eldest of two children. In 1947, following medical advice that her mother relocate to a drier climate to help manage asthma, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

Barbara attended North Phoenix High School, where she met Donald Robbins Liem, whom she later married. The couple went on to attend Arizona State University—Barbara as a proud member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and Don as a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and vice president of the student body. They were married on March 10, 1954, and soon welcomed two children, a son, Scott, and a daughter, Tracy.

Don’s enlistment in the U.S. Air Force took the young family first to Houston, Texas, and then to Greenville, South Carolina. After his military service, they returned to Tempe, where Don began a career with Knoell Homes, eventually becoming a vice president and partner.

During their children’s grammar school years, Barbara and Don were deeply involved in the Tempe PTA, where they produced and starred in numerous fundraising musicals, including The Music Man, Pajama Game, Oklahoma! and Annie Get Your Gun. Their shared love of community and performance left a lasting mark on Tempe.

Don’s devotion to the city led him to found the Tempe Diablos, an organization that raises funds for local causes and served as the official hosts of the early Fiesta Bowl. Barbara played an active role alongside him, contributing to fundraising efforts and serving on the Women’s Fiesta Bowl Committee.

Barbara’s grandchildren christened her “Baba,” a name that soon became how she was known to friends and family alike.

Beyond family, Barbara and Don’s greatest passion was their lifelong support of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), which helps transform the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in 11 developing countries. In recognition of her extraordinary dedication and service, Barbara was honored with the Spirit of Father Wasson Award in 2025.

Barbara will be remembered for her generosity, warmth, creativity, and unwavering commitment to family and community. She is preceded in death by her husband, Don, and survived by her brother Robert; her children Scott (Christy) and Tracy (Phil); her grandchildren Lindsey, Laura, Harrison, Joanna, and Jessica; and nine great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 12th, at the Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe, with a viewing at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Donations in memory of Barbara may be made to NPH at https://nphusa.org/barbaraliem/ or to SpreadDLove.org/donate.