Obituary of Barbara Elaine Nugent

Barbara Elaine Nugent was born on November 4, 1941, in Queens, New York, the younger of two daughters born to William and Betty Pierson. Barbara grew up in Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park and spent much of her childhood enjoying the beach. Her older sister Joan married first and lived in an apartment where the upstairs neighbor, Bernie Nugent, took a liking to Barbara. Barbara and Bernie were married in 1962, and after having their first two children, Donna and Kevin, they moved to Williston Park, where two more children, Ellen and Laura, were born. Barbara made lifelong friends in the Williston Park community, and they have friendships lasting over 60 years. The group was affectionately known as the "BFF's" and had close contact throughout the years. Needing more space for all the children, the family moved to Merrick. After the children were of school age, Barbara worked for Nassau County as a school crossing guard and then for Nassau County Police Headquarters. She retired after a full career in 2002. Barbara was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church in Freeport, where she served as a Deacon. Barbara bravely faced the tragic losses of her husband Bernie, who was a retired NYPD officer who died at age 58, in 1993 and her son Kevin, who died at age 28, in 1994. In 2004, Barbara moved from Merrick to a senior community, The Cove, in Melville with her new puppy, Buddy. Barbara and Buddy shared an unmatched love between dog and owner. At the Cove, Barbara also met a new forever friend, Gail Groll. Gail and Barbara became inseparable. Barbara was a strong and independent woman who cared deeply for her family. She was a faithful companion and caregiver to her mother, Betty Pierson. Barbara loved going out to dinner to celebrate family birthdays and special events. Christmas Eve was Barbara's night every year, and she graciously hosted and always ordered way too much food. Barbara had a sweet tooth like none other. Desserts and goodies were her favorite; anyone visiting her home would certainly not go hungry. Barbara had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, and was sometimes downright silly. She loved to travel and especially loved cruises sailing to many European countries and the Caribbean. Barbara also loved to shop. Whether at Macy's, Target or even QVC, she was happy buying clothes, jewelry, handbags and gifts for others. Barbara bravely lived through heart surgery and other health issues, including the loss of her eyesight. But ever independent, she lived on her own and found the best of life each day. Barbara is survived by her daughters Donna Paris, Ellen Heefner (Kelly), Laura (Denise Carter); grandchildren John Tobin and Julianna Heefner and predeceased by her husband Bernie, son Kevin and sister Joan Schulz. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation www.macular.org or the Guide Dog Foundation www.guidedog.org