Barbara Joan Bigelow

Barbara Joan Bigelow age 88 of Nashua died Monday, November 11, 2024 at Denver Sunset Home.

Funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory — Olson Chapel in Nashua with Certified Funeral Celebrant Andy Hugeback presiding.

Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua.

Friends may greet the family from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Barb attended Pearl Rock School and graduated from Nashua High School in 1954, where her deep local roots flourished.

Barbara’s greatest joy was her full-time dedication to her family and community. She took pride in her work in the kitchen at Nashua Schools and Club Iowa in Charles City, where she loved serving meals and making connections with the kids she served. Known for her warm heart and incredible cooking, Barbara’s door was always open to anyone in need of a meal or a place to sit and talk. Her table was a gathering place where all were welcome.

Barbara shared a beautiful life with her husband, Raymond, before his passing in 2003. Together, they spent weekends outdoors, starting in a tent and eventually moving to various campers. They created countless cherished memories with their extended family at Yellow River Forest. After Ray’s passing, Barbara found strength and comfort in family, her faith, and her unbreakable spirit, living on 21 more years to the delight and surprise of her loved ones.

Barbara had a quick wit, a unique sense of humor, and a way with words, often surprising others with her one-liners or adding a personal touch with funny poems in cards. She claimed her AB+ blood type, with “a bit of kerosene,” kept her going. Her passions included cheering for the Hawkeye basketball team, watching The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune, playing 500 with her friends, and sharing laughter at the Nashua fairground races. Barbara’s cooking was legendary, and she delighted in preparing large meals for her family.

A walking encyclopedia of local family ties and histories, Barbara’s presence in the Nashua area was a constant reminder of the value of family and community. She was the proud daughter of Leon and Olive (Bartlett) Wait and leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Barb is survived by two sons, Sidney Bigelow of Waverly, Galen Bigelow of Nashua; one daughter, Carol Tinker of Waverly; four grandchildren, Angel (Rob) Bergman of Denver, IA, Tryston Tinker of Bellingham, WA, Melody Tinker of Waterloo, Autumn Bigelow of Iowa City; two grandchildren, Lily and Chloe Bergman; brother-in-law, Ralph Bigelow of Charles City; sister-in-law Mary Bigelow of Decorah; many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond in 2003; brother, Clark (Mildlred) Wait; sister, Mabel (Jim) Longhorn. 

Barb’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Cedar Valley Hospice for their help, care and support.