Barbara Ann Nichols

Barbara Ann (Phillips) Nichols, 83, of San Diego, CA died peacefully on Jan 21, 2025 in Prescott Valley, AZ. She was born in Cleveland, OH to Paul and Margaret ( Slaminka) Phillips, (both deceased). Barb is also predeceased by her brother, David. She is survived by her sister, Paula Leigh,(Kevin), David's wife, Susan Phillips of Aiken, GA, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Barb graduated from St. Charles School, Lourdes Academy, and attended Ohio University. She spent most of her adult life in San Diego, CA working a variety of jobs at the San Diego Zoo, during which time she opened a monkey sanctuary at her home, caring for monkeys taken off exhibit at the zoo. The monkeys became her life's obsession, and she thoroughly enjoyed a memorable vacation in Madagascar, where she saw and learned from their natural habitat. After all the monkeys passed, Barb's declining health led her to sell her house, and enter an assisted living facility where she was well cared for over several years. In the late fall of 2024, Nathalee, her friend and power of attorney, moved her to a memory care facility in Prescott Valley, AZ closer to Nathalee's home as Barb needed more assistance due to her deteriorating physical condition. The Phillips Family thanks Nathalee for her loving support and supervision of Barb's care over the past several years. According to her wishes, Barb was cremated and her ashes kept in Prescott Valley, AZ with Nathalee.

A Memorial Mass for Barbara will be held on Saturday, February 22 at 11:00 am at St Charles Church, Parma, OH, followed by a Celebration of Life reception at Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Rd, Parma, OH 44129. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to your local animal shelter or charity of your choice.