Barbara Ann Fazio

Barbara “Bobbie” Fazio, 87, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2022, with her family by her side. She was born May 30, 1935 in Wake Forest, North Carolina to Herbert T. Nuckles and Effie Louise Morris Nuckles.

Bobbie graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton, Connecticut, in 1953. There she met her husband, Mario P. Fazio, while working at Electric Boat. They married on June 2, 1956. Together they raised four children in Cheshire, Connecticut and later in Little Rock, Arkansas. They enjoyed over 37 years together, and Bobbie held Mario close to her heart long after his death in 1993.

Bobbie’s greatest love was her family. She lived a full life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Known by “Mema”, “Momoo”, and “Great Mema”, she found absolute joy in spending time with her numerous grands. She especially loved the youngest members of the family and was known for having a “magic touch” with babies. Although her children and grandchildren reside across the globe, she maintained close relationships with them all.

She also loved to travel and was happiest at the beach. While her children were young, trips to Dunes Beach in Weekapaug, Rhode Island were frequent, and fun was had by all. Later in life, Bobbie enjoyed annual trips to Perdido Key, Florida with family, friends, beach drinks, seafood, and sunsets.

Bobbie also enjoyed practicing dance and playing tennis. As a child and young adult Bobbie loved to dance, both ballet and tap. She carried that fondness into adulthood and demonstrated ballet and tap positions to her children and grandchildren. Most recently, Bobbie used hallway handrails to perform the most graceful ballet moves, which always delighted onlookers. She also adored tennis, a sport she started playing in mid-life. She organized tennis competitions and played singles and doubles. At times, you'd find a grandchild on the court with her.

Bobbie is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, William A. "Andy" Nuckles. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Garrison and her husband, Glen of Destrehan, LA, daughter, Susan Davis and her husband Scott of Little Rock, AR, son, John Fazio of Little Rock, AR, daughter, Lisa Wilson and her husband Colin of Sydney, AUS, her beloved cat Maya, seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Bobbie was a kind, gracious, and elegant woman and will be missed by so many. May she rest in peace.

The family sends sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Fox Ridge, Hospice Home Care, and Jennifer Mains of Visiting Angels.

A private family service will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery on Monday, December 5, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to St. Jude's hospital or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pinecrestfh.com for the Fazio family.