Barbara Nicholson

Barbara (Cochrane) Nicholson, 99 years old, passed away peacefully, at Alden Court in Fairhaven, MA after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late William T. Nicholson, Sr. Born and raised in Fitchburg, MA daughter of the late Harold and Eleanor (Everett) Cochrane, even as a child, Barbara was adventurous, curious, and fiercely independent. Her father brought her up to believe that women could do anything that men could do and she never forgot that. At the age of 16, she wanted to take flying lessons and her father encouraged her to do so; her mother was not as enthusiastic. She would ride her bike to the Fitchburg Airport to take her lessons and was proud to complete her solo touch and go and received her pilot's license before getting her driver's license.

Barbara graduated high school went on to study at Simmons College in Boston. She wanted to be an Engineer and at that time there was not a program for women at Simmons so although they encouraged her to take Medical Secretary courses, she insisted on the Chemistry courses. Upon graduating from Simmons, she went on to work as a chemist at a textile mill in Providence Rhode Island. That is where she met Bill. Once married, she and Bill lived in several states due to his career as a Power Engineer.

They settled in North Kingstown Rhode Island and raised their son William (Nick) Nicholson, Jr. It was in North Kingstown that she embarked on a new career as a math teacher at North Kingstown Junior High School for 25 years.

Barbara and Bill enjoyed many years sailing on Narragansett Bay, traveling to Block Island, Newport, Cuttyhunk, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. They were members of the East Greenwich Yacht Club. She and Bill also enjoyed their condo on Marco Island. After losing Bill in 1982, Barbara retired from teaching. She attended the Leisure Learning Groups at the Council on Aging where she learned photography and computers. Her love of photography served her well on her many trips to Europe, British Isles, Scandinavia, Alaska, and the Galapagos Islands. She also enjoyed train travel across the United States and Canada.

Prior to moving closer to her son and daughter-in-law in August of 2013, she was an active member of the Westminster Unitarian Church in East Greenwich, RI. She was proud of the fact that her maternal grandparents were Unitarian Ministers traveling and preaching where needed.

Survivors include her son William "Nick" Nicholson, Jr. and his wife Gail (Bauer) Nicholson of Mattapoisett, a grandson, Daniel Gill of Providence RI, a sister-in-law Judith Cochrane of Fitchburg, and many nieces and nephews that she held close in her heart. She was predeceased by her brother Dr. Paul Cochrane of Fitchburg, MA.

Her family would like to thank the staff of Alden Court Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fairhaven MA for the compassionate care they gave to Barbara during the 2 years that she resided there and also to the SouthCoast VNA Hospice team who treated her with loving care and helped to maintain her dignity. Each and every one of you are angels on earth and the family will never forget you.

At this time, the family will plan a celebration of Barbara's life at a later date. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals in Mattapoisett MA.

Barbara was known by staff and residents at Alden Court for her smile and positive attitude. In her memory, please spread kindness and be the reason someone smiles.