Barbara Ann Radigan, 68, of Rock Island, IL passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at OSF Hospital in Peoria, IL. There will be a visitation from 4-7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. A private service will take place a later date in Staten Island, NY where she will be inurned at Moravian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family.

Barbara was born on January 16, 1957 to Michael and Helen (Earls) Radigan in Bronx, NY. She grew up in Staten Island and graduated from New Dorp High School in 1970. She got her start in the workforce at Pathmark Corporation, in their pharmaceutical side. In 1977 she followed her sister, Helen, to Davenport, IA. Barbara managed the photography department of Younkers for several years before she got a job at the Rock Island Police Department as a dispatcher. That was where she met her future husband, David Nixon. The couple made their home in Rock Island where they raised their daughter, Jennifer.

After Jennifer was born, Barbara started working out of her home as a seamstress. She had started learning to sew at the age of four and was as talented as she was experienced. In her younger years, she was known for wearing outfits she made herself—sometimes selling them right off her back and heading home in different clothes. Barbara was still working as a seamstress and dress designer until her passing. Designing dresses was not just a business, but a passion all her life.

In her spare time, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her grandsons. She also loved going antiquing, finding unique furniture at thrift stores and at auctions.

Barbara is survived by her mother, Helen; daughter, Jennifer (Rusty) Seaver; grandchildren, Emmett and Jackson Seaver; siblings, Helen M. Capdevila, Michael C. (Lucy) Radigan, Patricia Radigan, and Stephen Radigan; friend and ex-husband, David Nixon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Michael; and brother, John P. Radigan.

To leave condolences for the family, please sign the tribute wall.