Barbara Katherine McAuley Nolan passed away on September 15, 2026, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, at the age of 87, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

Barbara was born in the Bronx on July 20, 1939, to her mother, Sarafina (Sally) and father, James. As a young child, Barbara moved to Queens, where she attended Andrew Jackson High School. There she met many of her lifelong friends, including the love of her life and future husband, Frank Nolan. Barbara had a deeply bright soul that continually had people gravitating to her.

Barbara was an incredible artist, experimenting with many mediums. She further developed and enhanced her artistic skills and ability at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Her eye for beauty in all things is a staple of who she was, which consistently inspired those around her.

Barbara and Frank were married on October 9th, 1965, marking the start of a magnificent life together, filled with love and happiness. The two had three incredible children: James (Jay), Korinne (Korie) and Loralei (Lee). Barbara was always known to flex her creative muscle in all she did, and was even known to make beautiful handcrafted, delicate costumes for their children as they grew up.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sally; her husband, Frank; her son, Jay; and older brother, Jimmy.

Barbara's legacy of kindness and finding the beauty in life is continued through her family. She is remembered by her daughters Lee and Korie, their husbands Dan and Jeff, along with her 9 beautiful grandchildren, Brittany, TJ, Shane, Liam, Teaghan, Cayleigh, Falon, Mike, and Emily.

There will be a celebration of life ceremony in North Carolina, where she spent the last part of her life and continued to connect with others with her incredible soul. A secondary celebration will be held in New York to honor her life and the relationships she built there.

Barbara Nolan was a truly special individual who touched the lives of so many. She reminded us to always lead with kindness and love and continue to search for the beauty around us, whether it be through the lens we choose to view the world or the art we create ourselves.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.