Oct 15, 1936 — Sep 13, 2026
Barbara L. (White) Nickerson, a resident of Reading since 1956 and formerly of Woburn and Wilmington, passed away on September 13, 2026, after a brief illness, at the Willowbrook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Wilmington. She was 89 years of age.
Barbara was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, on October 15, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Irving and Gertrude White-Syvertson. Barbara attended Wilmington Public Schools. She worked for Addison-Wesley Publishing Company her whole career. She retired when the company moved to Boston. Barbara got her license at 49; she wasn’t willing to make the move to Boston. She had lived on Washington Street since marriage. Barbara enjoyed watching the neighborhood kids grow up, play outside, and attend college. She had numerous long-term neighbors that helped in bad weather, did her taxes, and offered greetings. She enjoyed Sunday drives, weekly bingo, dining out, and spending time with family. On Saturdays, Barbara and Judy helped friends at Yentile’s farm in Wilmington. Barbara had a love for all flowers and fresh vegetables. She was always amazed at how much money people spend on fall decorations. Every summer, the Nickersons had the first two weeks of August off. They enjoyed many day trips to Hampton Beach with the Grandkids. The arcade had unlimited quarters; she may have enjoyed the games more. The day always ended with a pit stop at Salisbury Beach for snowflake candy, creamsicle soft serve, and batting cages. If the traffic was light, they changed paths to Old Orchard for Pier fries. She always had a smile on her face, at any event. She was caring, reliable, generous, resilient, and extremely loyal.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Allan C. Nickerson. She was the devoted mother of Marsha J. Nickerson and her fiancé, Daniel of Salem, NH, and Judith L. Nickerson of Reading. She was the loving grandmother of Jeffrey Russell and his wife Sheila of Reading, Kristel Geary and Sean Geary, both of Woburn. She is also survived by her grateful son-in-law, Kevin Geary of Woburn. She was the cherished sister of Patricia Dean of Milford and the late Shirley O’Donnell, James White, Richard White, Joan Boutwell, and Irene Doucette.
A visitation will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 12pm at the funeral home. Burial at Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading will follow the service.
https://www.douglassfuneralhome.com/obituary/barbara-nickerson
