Barbara C. Nichols

Barbara C. (Greig) Nichols, age 61, of Erie, passed away Monday, January 25, 2016, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the third of five children born to the late Richard A. and Helen (Dolly) Larkin Greig.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Attorney Sumner E. Nichols II and their children, Danny, Lexy, Summy and daughter-in-law, Ellen. She is also survived by her brother, Richard S. Greig and three sisters, Mary Beth Fleming (Michael), Sandee Caccavo, and Marjorie Carey (James).

Barbara was a loving mother and wife who lived for her children. Never a school night went by without a home cooked meal. She was always ready to lend her support for a child's faltering project. She had an infectious vitality which has been passed onto her progeny. Barbara raised her children to be thoughtful and articulate, leaving them successfully prepared for the modern world.

The devotion she showed her family was mirrored by a quarter century of service as an educator in the Erie School District. She was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School, Penn State Behrend, and received her Master's degree in counseling from Edinboro University. Beginning as an English teacher at Central Tech, she instilled an interest in Shakespeare in her students. Working as an energetic guidance counselor at Collegiate Academy later in her career, "Mrs. Nichols" helped over a thousand students execute successful college application strategies and pursue scholarships to bring higher education within their grasp.

Barbara received an initial diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer in August of 2012 and continued serving Academy students for over a year afterwards because of the immense fulfillment she received from helping others and her determination to defy her illness. Away from school, on any sunny day, you would find her relaxing outdoors in the midst of her beautifully maintained flower garden. In her final years, Barbara was showered with love and support by her husband, siblings, children, and many amazing friends. We cannot express enough gratitude to all those who kept us well fed during her time under hospice care and provided steadfast support during the three years of her illness, which included more good days than bad for Barb and her family. We love you, Barb. We love you, Mom, and we know you have found peace.

Friends are invited to call at the John J. Quinn Funeral Home, West 9th and Liberty St., on Friday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. and are invited to attend Prayer Services there Saturday at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to NW PA Collegiate Academy Scholarship Fund, 2825 State St., Erie, PA 16508.

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