Barbara Carol Nielsen

Barbara Carol Rauch Nielsen, artist, passed away May 5, 2017 in Denver at the age of 88. Barbara was preceded by her husband of 65 years, Oluf N. Nielsen, architect. Barbara is survived by her children David, Mark Oluf, Keith, Carol, and Chris, siblings Betty and Paul, grandchildren Alice, Nils, Mikkel, Weston, Lindsay, and Casey, and great-grandchildren Vera and Ida. Barbara was a loving mother and a creative and thoughtful person and will be missed by us all.
Barbara was born December 18, 1928 in Oak Park, Illinois to parents Paul V. Rauch and Virginia Doan Rauch. Barbara studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. She received a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering from University of Colorado in 1950, one of only two women in her class. Barbara was a draftsman and interior designer.
Barbara was an artist in watermedia painting, drawing, silk screen printing, photography, and fiber art. She taught art at University of Colorado, Arapaho Community College, Loretto Heights College, and Emily Griffith Opportunity School. She was a member of the Colorado Watercolor Society. Her work has been seen in several one-man shows and in the Denver Art Museum's Own-Your-Own, Metropolitan, and All-Colorado Exhibitions. With Phyllis Biltz she did fiber work and they exhibited together in Colorado and New Mexico. Together they executed many fiber commissions throughout the United States. Barbara was represented at numerous galleries throughout Colorado. Barbara also did artistic knitting or "art to wear."
Barbara was a long-time board member of The Argyle senior living facility and was instrumental in its reconstruction.
You can see some of Barbara's colorful paintings at http://www.cafepress.com/barbaranielsenshop
Services will be held on Saturday, June 17, 10 AM, at the First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 Lafayette St. Parking available in the lot across the street in spots marked FUSD.
"In lieu of flowers, please donate to parkinson.org, theargyle.org, or denverartmuseum.org."