Nicole Marie Barreca

While growing up in Silvercreek, NY, Nicole was very active in several areas, including playing piano, cheerleading for basketball and football, the Honor Society, Student Council, gymnastics, the school yearbook, the school newspaper and band. She was an accomplished clarinet player, having attended both the NYSMMA All-State Ensemble and MENC All-Eastern. Nicole was Class President and Prom Queen, and graduated Valedictorian of her graduating class. She was a beautiful and caring person, and had many close friends.

Following high school, Nicole attended the University of Buffalo and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. Having an adventurous spirit, Nicole, with two of her friends, backpacked across Europe, staying in hostels and riding the EuroTrain. Once home, Nicole attended the University of Maryland, earning her Master’s. During her time at university, Nicole was awarded the Phi Delta Kappa Achievement award, Bausch & Lomb Science award, CRC Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement award, the Oxychem Chemical Engineering Scholarship, and was the National Science Olympian winner. Nicole was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the Engineer Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma, the National Greek Honor Society, the Golden Key National Honor Society, the National Freshman Honor Society, and served as Treasurer for the Order of Omega.

Following graduation, Nicole accepted a position with the Patent office as an analyst for semi-conductors in Washington D.C., a city she loved for its culture, diversity, and ethnic food. Nicole spent her spare time with close friends skiing and loved staying at a beach house in the summertime. She was proud to become a homeowner and resided in Arlington Va. with her beloved dog, Lucy. As her illness progressed, Nicole eventually relocated to Bloomsburg, Pa, to be near family.

Nicole will be deeply missed by her mother, Paulette Barreca; one brother, Jason Barreca; sister-in-law, Jamie; and their two children, Jacob, age 11, and Sophia, age 10, also of Bloomsburg, along with other family, friends, and caregivers. Nicole also leaves behind her faithful Bichon Frise, Finn, who brought her companionship and great comfort.

We can all find solace in knowing that Nicole has been reunited with her ‘papa,’ who preceded her in death on June 13, 2010. A private memorial service will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Animal Resource Center, P.O. Box 439 Bloomsburg, Pa 17815.