Barbara Lynn Giudici

Barbara Lynn (Derrickson) Giudici, age 83, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 29, 2025 in her home in Oro Valley, Arizona. She is survived by her children Kirk, Krista, Kori and Hung (Pham) and her many grandchildren.

Barbara lived a full life of love, spirit and generosity. She was born to Eleanor and Ervin Derrickson, raised in Wilmington, Delaware; she loved sailing her summers away on the Delaware Bay with her late sister Jeanie. She earned a degree from the University of Delaware and highly valued education. She married the love of her life, Lee Giudici, of Bedford, MA in the summer of 1966 after years of a long distance courtship. Together they created a life of joy and opportunity for everyone around them over their 50+ years of marriage. They raised their children in Newton, NJ, retired in Arvada, CO, when they moved closer to family in Jacksonville, OR and finally set sun in the Sonoran desert of Southern Arizona. 

Barbara had a zest for life that centered around the fun she loved sharing with her friends, family and eight grandchildren who affectionally called her Noni, Nono and Grandma. Throughout her life Barb enjoyed exploring her many talents through hobby and career. She was a great cook, baker, cake decorator, master gardener, interior decorator, massage therapist, faux finish painter, and perhaps most extraordinarily, her discovery late in life as an oil pastel artist! She was a cards and board games enthusiast, athlete in sailing, swimming, golf, tennis and pickleball. She enjoyed reading novels, toasting a drink – coyly known as “choir practice” -- and appreciating all the beauty in the world.

Barbara is described as “a light in my life when I needed it” by many people. She was a stranger to no one, making friends effortlessly. She was magnetic, inquisitive and sincere with a great sense of humor; people naturally love her. She will be profoundly missed by her family and friends while her kindness, humor and love remain in our hearts. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday May 17th in Tucson (please inquire). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PEO International, a foundation for which she volunteered and fully supported.