Barbara A Nickel

Barbara A. Nickel, affectionately known as Barb, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at Samaritan Hospice in Voorhees, New Jersey, surrounded by love. Born on September 26, 1939, to the late John and Mary (nee Farmer) Rugal, Barb spent most of her life in South Philadelphia before making Voorhees her home these past four years.
Barb was a woman of strength, spirit, and deep devotion to her family. Fierce yet loving, fiery yet endlessly caring, she lived her life with honesty and heart--always telling it like it was. Her home radiated warmth through her arts, crafts, and beautifully decorated holiday displays--especially her dazzling Christmas tree, which reflected the joy she poured into family traditions.
For many years, Barb worked as a manager for Brite Star in South Philadelphia and later as a receptionist at the Jewish Federation Center in Center City. No matter where she was, she made friends easily and left an impression of kindness and resilience.
She cherished travel and adventure, especially trips with Karen and Jim Beatty, and loved following her favorite musician, Keith Harkin, across the country. Collecting gnomes, cheering on her favorite sports, and enjoying the buzz of family gossip were simple joys that brought her laughter. Above all else, her world was her family--her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the treasures of her heart.
She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph "Smokey" Nickel Sr., loving mother of JoAnn (Jefferie) LaBarr, Joseph (Cheryl) Nickel Jr., and Karen (Robert) Parsons. A proud and devoted "Gram," she will be forever remembered by Meredith (Nicky Carfagno) McEwing, Brianne (Jason) Jones, Cara Chestnut, the late Brady Nickel, the late Matthew LaBarr-Nickel, and Tessa Nickel. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren Emma, Katie, Lucas, Matthew, Teagan, Dean, Adrianah, and Harley. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law Ed Kukuka.
Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the Murphy Ruffenach Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home, 3rd & Wolf Streets. Funeral services will follow at 8 p.m., with private burial to take place thereafter.
In honor of Barb's loving and courageous spirit, memorial donations may be made to Breast Friends of Pennsylvania at breastfriendsofpa.org.
Barb will be remembered for her fiery personality, her unwavering devotion to family, and the love she shared so freely. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.