August 18, 1928 – April 28, 2025

Barbara Jean Breazeale (Matthews) Nilson was born 8/18/28 in Seattle and died April 28, 2025.

She was the mother of four, grandmother of five and great grandmother of six. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward Lawrence Nilson and her sons, Terry Glen Matthews and Lon Dale Matthews (Patti). She is survived by her daughters Jodene Eva Cook(Walter) and Kelley Jean Nilson-Petersson (Christer), five grandchildren Lon Dale Matthews Jr., Adam Matthews, Eva Jean Cook, Jonas Michael Cedenwing and Christiana Jean Berggren, six great grandchildren Gretchen, Koen, Elliot, Boogie, Chloe and Liam; beloved sons-in-law Walter Cook and Christer Petersson, nieces Karen Jean Breazeale and Debbie Breazeale and nephew Jerry Carlsson.

Former owner weekly newspaper/columnist, English/Journalism teacher for 24 years, published author of award-winning historical books. Barbara attained her two goals in life: to be published and to visit all the continents.

She was happiest on a sunny day with a full tank of gas heading to the country, or with a plane ticket to “far away places with strange sounding names” or planning a party or hugging her family.

Her remains will be piped to a niche at the Maple Valley-Hobart Cemetery November 1 and placed next to her mother Ethel Eva Elliott (Breazeale) Stantorf. Contact Jodene at jcooklinus@gmail.com.

Please don’t send flowers, instead donate money to your favorite charity for children.