Barbara J Nickse

Friendship

If you ever needed a true-blue friend, Barbara Nickse was a friend you would want to keep. She was fiercely loyal to her friends, and supportive in every way. Barbara loved her friends and wished only the best for them. She celebrated with them in the good times, and lent a caring shoulder in hard times.

Creativity

Barbara's positions at the Chamber of Commerce and City of Seminole gave her plenty of opportunity to use her creative juices. She was happiest when tasked with multiple projects, and operated at her best when behind the scenes. Barbara frequently took on major projects like banquets and did all the prep work from venue to menu, from table decor to floral, from room decor to entertainment, and yes name tags and recognition awards too! Barbara did not seek accolades. Her bulletins and newsletters were both creative and entertaining. Barbara's creativity was also seen in her home where her design and decorations were admired both inside and outside the home.

Family

Barbara loved family most of all. From her parents and brothers, to her husband and sons, to her grandchildren and daughter in law, Barbara showered them with all of her love and affection. Family were constantly in her prayers. Barbara delighted in being with them, and always looked forward to when they could all be together.

Cooking

Barbara loved cooking and creating in the kitchen. Years ago, Barbara started collecting special recipes, and these recipes were gathered into a 3-ring binder. The special recipes continued to be collected, and now there are 14 such binders full of tasty recipes, and tabbed with favorites. Barbara always would give a recipe a trial preparation before serving it to guests. There were some recipes that never made the cut though. Barbara is known for her delicious potato salad. When given a rave review for the potato salad, Barbara would reply that the secret was in the home-made mayonnaise. The home-made mayonnaise was a recipe from Barbara's Mom Thelma Zinn, and the recipe which is revealed here:

Home Made Mayonnaise

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp dry mustard

1 heaping tsp flour

Mix well and add 2 eggs

Mix well again

add 1/2 cup water

add 1/2 cup vinegar

cook until thick

If too thick, thin with water or cream

NICKSE, Barbara J. of Seminole went to be with Our Lord Jesus on July 5, 2020. Barbara was born to Harry and Thelma Zinn in Fairmont WV. Barbara graduated from the Stenotype Institute of Pittsburgh, and began her career path at Alcoa Aluminum. Barbara then moved to Florida and joined the Ocala Marion County Chamber of Commerce where she developed a love for community service. Barbara moved to Seminole in 1973 and served as the Planning Director for the Greater Seminole Chamber of Commerce where she continued her community service. In 1991 Barbara joined the City of Seminole where she served for 24 years before her retirement in 2015. Barbara also was the Judges Chairman for the Miss Seminole Pageant and was a director of the Seminole Teen Board. Barbara loved to cook and collect special recipes, travel, holidays and her grandchildren.

Barbara is predeceased by son, David and brother, H. Bud Zinn.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 55 years, Wallace “Wally”; her son, Dr. Stephen (Janet) Nickse; grandchildren, Emma, Morgan and Carter Nickse; brother, James (Martha); brother in law, Kenneth Nickse and nephew, Gregory (Lori) Zinn. A private family celebration of life service is planned.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation is suggested.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home 7950 131st Street N., Seminole, FL / 727-391-0121.