Joan M. Nixon

Joan Nixon, 91, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s surrounded by her family. 

Joan was born on June 27, 1932, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to the late Thomas J. and Anne E. (Kavanaugh) Kelly.  On January 15, 1955, she married her true love, Edwin W. Nixon, who preceded her in death on April 14, 2017.

Joan received her bachelor’s degree at University of Lowell State Teachers College and then her master’s degree at Bowling Green State University.  She taught at St. Gerard’s School and retired from Bath Middle School after 22 years.   She was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church, where she served in the Altar Rosary Society.  She was involved with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 82 as a part of the Mother’s Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children:  Robert (Kimberly) Nixon of Perrysburg, OH, Paul (Kimberly) Nixon of Austin, TX, John (Melanie) Nixon of Lima, OH, Kelly (Craig) Templin of Granbury, TX, Patrice (Kim) Leimbach of Marion, OH, and Julie (Craig) Jordan of Lima, OH; daughter-in-law, Sally Nixon of Lebanon, OH; grandchildren: Deanna (Justin) Best, Michelle (Joe) Jackson, Scott (Stacey) Nixon, Erin (Sebastiaan Waelkens) Nixon, Stephanie (John) Guttman, Joshua (Sommer) Nixon, Tory Nixon, Tracy (Christos) Sampanis, Ryan (Robynne) Templin, Tylan (Andrea) Templin, Christopher (Caitlyn) Leimbach,  Kara (Nicholas) Goodwin, Kendra Leimbach, Emily (Jesse) Rettig, Eric (fiancée Emily Hendrickson) Jordan; twenty-four great-grandchildren; sister, Anne (Jeffrey) Fencer of New Hampshire; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Mae Best; sisters, Monica Fremeau and Marea Gower; and brothers-in-law, Will Fremeau and Thomas Gower.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Otterbein Senior Life Center, Cridersville,  the staff at St. Rita’s Medical Center, and the St. Rita’s hospice team for their loving care of our Mom.

The family will receive friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio.  A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. on March 1, 2024, at St. Gerard Catholic Church.  Father Mike Sergi will officiate.  Burial will follow at Gethsemani Cemetery, Lima. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita’s Hospice or CASA, 234 N. Main St., Lima, Ohio.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.   Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.