Rockford, IllinoisBarbara H. "Anna B" Nilsson, 100, of Rockford, IL died peacefully, Monday December 20, 2010 in Fairhaven Christian Retirement Home after a long and productive life. Barbara was born November 23, 1910 in Appleton, Wisconsin the daughter of Dr. George M. and Nellie (Bennett) Henbest. She married Axel W. Nilsson on June 13, 1939 in Cedarville, Illinois. Following high school graduation, Barbara taught in a one room school in Stephenson County. She attended and graduated from Northern IL State Teachers College and went on to earn her masters degree from Northern IL University. Barbara taught school in LaGrange and Belvidere and eventually settled in Rockford where she taught at Vandercook School, when it was a one room school, 4th grade at John Nelson School and became the assistant principal at Bloom School. Barbara was principal for the newly opened Fairview School and continued until she retired in 1973. She loved being a teacher, educator, principal and mentor. Barbara was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, was a board member of the Rockford Historical Society at the time Midway Village was founded; and was a member of A.D.K Chapter XI. Barbara always enjoyed the blessing of being able to travel and traveled quite extensively. She is loved and will be missed by her daughter, Beth Ann (John) Johnson of Rockford; grandchildren, Kari Johnson of Denver, CO, Marc Johnson of Roscoe, IL, Jodi Johnson of Portland, OR; great grandson, Anders of Denver and several nieces and nephews whom knew her as "Anna B". She is predeceased by her parents; a step-mother, Anna Fink; husband Axel; brother, William "Bill", and sister, Helen Schroeder.

Memorials can be given in care of Fairhaven Christian Retirement Home in Barbara's memory.