OWLS HEAD — Barbara A. Nickles, 67, died Jan. 31, 2013, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Born in Lowell, Mass., April 1, 1945, she was the daughter of Warren "Mickey" and Eleanor Martin Lepene. While growing up in Lowell, she was raised by her mother and step-father, William "PePe" Hauck, and attended Lowell schools.

On Aug. 9, 1963, she married Donald A. Nickles in Lowell. The couple lived in Lowell a few years, where their first two children were born. During that time, Barbara worked in Lowell at a textile mill and as a waitress.

In 1968, they moved to Owls Head, and shortly thereafter they were blessed with the birth of their third child. Always the consummate mother, while raising her children Barbara worked to help provide for her family. She held various jobs including work at Homes Packing Company, Trade Winds Motor Inn, AutoWise Store, the first Rockland Pizza Hut, Port Clyde Warehouse, Owls Head Fine Art Press, and for more than 15 years as a lead machine operator at Lyden-Britcher Manufacturing Company in Rockland. She retired in 2008 to care for her husband and father.

For many years she enjoyed camping and fishing with her family and husband. They particularly enjoyed their seasonal camp at Aldus Shores in Searsmont. A self-taught artist, she enjoyed painting. She also volunteered many hours reading to the residents at the Owls Head Homestead. Baptized four years ago, she was a devoted and active member of Owls Head Baptist Church. As hospitality correspondent, Barbara mailed cards for all occasions to the church family. She was anticipating a trip to Florida this week.

Predeceased by her husband, Donald A. Nickles Sr., Jan. 27, 2009, Barbara is survived by three sons, Charles H. "Chuck" Nickles and his wife, Patricia, Donald A. Nickles Jr. and his wife, Christina, all of Owls Head, and Dwight Robbins and his wife, Debbie, of Waldoboro; her daughter, Helen M. Rogers and her husband, Michael, of Owls Head; one brother, Warren Lepene and his wife, Lucy, of Lowell, Mass.; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren with one on the way.

A time of visiting with Barbara's family will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Owls Head Baptist Church, 37 South Shore Drive, with a celebration of her life at 2 p.m. The Rev. Paul Munro will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Owls Head Baptist Church, P.O. Box 81, Owls Head, ME 04854.

To share a memory or condolence with Barbara's family, visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.