Barbara M. Severance, of Woburn passed away peacefully, December 14, 2018, at her home surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with Esophageal Cancer. She was 64 years of age. Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Charles D. Severance. Born in Somerville she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Barbara (Hollis) Nickerson.
Barbara was raised and educated in Woburn and was a 1972 graduate of Woburn High School. She met her would be husband, Charles, on December 28, 1971 and the young couple married on June 16, 1974. Barbara volunteered for 23 years at the Winchester Hospital and was an active parishioner of the First Congregational Church in Stoneham for 38 years. Barbara loved people and had many dear friends, especially her group of friends that met every Wednesday morning for breakfast for the past 37 years. She also loved music and was a big fan of the musical band Wildfire. For the past 5 years Barbara was an active member of the Woburn Middlesex Lions Club and in 2017 was the club's recipient of, Lion of the Year. This was an honor that Barbara was extremely proud of.
However, Barbara's greatest joy was her family and nothing gave her more pleasure than to spend time with her grandchildren whom she referred to as her "Fab Four". They loved all things Disney and especially loved vacationing at Disney World. Together with her late husband and family they also enjoyed traveling to Amish Country in Branson, Missouri. She will be greatly missed by her family and many dear friends.
Barbara is survived by her devoted daughters; Mandy B. Sawicki and her husband Darren of Woburn, Susan Machnik and her husband Jonathan of Woburn. She was the loving "Ninny" to her fab four; Caleb and Molly Sawicki, Madelyn and Jillian Machnik. Cherished sister of Stephen Nickerson and his wife Lucy of Osterville, the late William and Kenneth Nickerson.
A funeral service will be conducted in the First Congregational Church, 1 Church St., STONEHAM, Tuesday, December 18th, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Barbara's memory to the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn, Charles Gardner Lane, Woburn, MA 01801.