Barbara A. Nicholson

BARBARA A. NICHOLSON (nee Biddle) age 77, beloved wife for 41 years of Richard “Nick” and formerly Sam Craig; loving mother of Kim Craig, the late Brian, and honorary son Mark Hedrick (wife Amanda); devoted grandmother of Lindsay, Camden, and Holden; cherished daughter of the late Charles and Bess (nee Sellers) Biddle; dearest sister of  Greg Biddle (wife Nini) and sister-in-law of Paula and Robert Nicholson and Betty and Jack Lindenmeyer, Christine Tressler, and Dottie and Jerry Kasten; dear aunt and loving friend to countless extended family.

Barb was born on December 3, 1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana and passed away at home on June 18, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Originally a resident of Chesterland, she moved to Chardon in 1982. Barbara was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church for nearly 45 years – serving as church secretary in the 80s, a Stephen Minister, working on Helping Hands & Caring and Sharing, former president of the church women’s league and active crafter, creating things to be sold and raise funds to help Women’s League provide financial support to those in the community.  Barbara graduated from North Central High School in Indiana and attended Ball State University. She proudly went on to work in retail and interior design, owned a retail clothing store and was partner in a small stained-glass business. Barbara’s most fulfilling calling and greatest joy came in being a mother, wife and friend – always giving and helping others. She and Nick opened their hearts and home to many who needed support and a place to stay – nearly 20 people/families benefited from her love and generosity while living under her roof.  Some passed through and many stayed and became extended family.  Barbara’s door and heart was always open and people were drawn to her magnetic personality and her knack for telling it like it was. Often referred to as the “truth fairy,” Barb wasn’t shy about speaking the truth, even when it was a bit uncomfortable – and she was loved for it.  Her support and wisdom came from a place of love and caring. Barb was very creative, artistic and full of life.  She enjoyed theater, sci-fi and music, particularly attending concerts for favorite bands like the Rolling Stones. She loved travel and especially cherished her mother-daughter trip to Portugal & Paris, family trips on Disney Cruises and to Hawaii and her annual girls-just-wanna-have-fun trips to Cape May, NJ. Barb was spunky, sassy, spicy.  She knew exactly what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to ask for it. She was devoted to her friends, family, and those in her life whom she chose as family. She lived fully and loved fiercely.  Shortly before she passed, she wrote this to be found after she’d gone to her eternal home:

“My thoughts: Nothing lasts forever.  People we love sometimes leave our lives, but what stays is how they forever changed us.”  There is no doubt that Barb changed countless lives and that anyone who was lucky enough to have her as part of their life is truly better for it.  She was truly one-of-a-kind and will be dearly missed, but forever left an imprint on MANY hearts.

Contributions may be made in memory of Barb to St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Barb at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.)  Friday, June 25, 2021 4-8 PM.  Visitors will also be welcome Saturday 11-12 Noon at St. Mark Lutheran Church, followed by a memorial service at 12 Noon