Barbara Anne Nielsen

Barbara Anne (Pfefferkorn) Nielsen, 93, residing in Sandusky, passed away Friday evening, September 12, 2025 at The Commons of Providence Memory Care after a lengthy illness.
Barbara was born on March 20, 1932 in Sandusky, OH to the late Willard Pfefferkorn and Lulu (Smith) Pfefferkorn.
Barbara was the proud owner and operator of Nielsen Canvas Co., formerly Pfefferkorn Awning Co., where she dedicated her entire life to the business and the canvas industry. She was active in numerous professional associations and even served on the board of one. Deeply involved in her community, she was a devoted member of the Sandusky Rotary Club and a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church, where she sang in the choir and formerly served on the vestry. Barbara was also a longtime member of the Sandusky Yacht Club and the Sandusky Choral Society, served on the Board of Directors for both Providence Hospital and Firelands Hospital, and was a member of The Order of Eastern Star. Outside of her professional and civic commitments, Barbara enjoyed being part of her bridge club, playing cards, singing, camping, tending to her flowers, and cooking and baking-especially for her beloved family.
Barbara is survived by her two sons, John (Elizabeth Walker) Nielsen of Brighton, MI and Robert (Jill Scholer) Nielsen of Anderson, IN; grandchildren, Kelly (Scott) Murphy, Kent Nielsen, Meredith (Thomas) Ramm, Matthew (Fiance, Nataliya Bukavyn); great-granddaughter, Nora Ramm; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Maynard J Nielsen in 2010; grandson, James Nielsen; sisters, June Olsen and Mary Margaret Brown; and her brother, Willard Pfefferkorn.
A private family memorial service will take place at a later date with inurnment in Grace Episcopal Church Columbarium in Sandusky. Groff Funeral Homes and Crematory in Sandusky is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Barbara's memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870; Sandusky Rotary Club Charitable Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 717, Sandusky, OH 44871; or the Alzheimer's Association: 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Erie Shores / Sandusky, OH.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.