Nicoletta "Nikki" Vincenza De Laurentiis

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Nicoletta Vincenza Delaurentiis who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Nikki was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Nikki knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Nikki was born on July 29, 1929 at Italy in Altino Chieti. Her parents were Michele D’Orazio and Lucia D’Alonzo. Nikki was raised in Altino. Even as a youngster, Nikki learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Nikki was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Nikki was raised with Two siblings. Angelina and Vito. Nikki had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Nikki, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

      Nikki's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Nikki enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Embroidering knitting spinning wool. Nikki's memorable achievements included.

      Nikki was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Nikki was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Nikki came to expect her high standards of performance. Many friends she became close to her neighbours , Italian community ,co workers.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Nikki reveled in the security of her family. On December 1, 1950 Nikki exchanged wedding vows with Domenico De Laurentiis at the Catholic Church of Altino Italy. One of Nikki’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

      Nikki was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Nikki would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Nikki was blessed with Two children, Aurora De Laurentiis and Dino De Laurentiis. They were also blessed with Five, Dale Michael Adam Keegan and Kiana.

      Nikki was a hard worker who praised efficiency she worked as a Cook. She Owned and operated a restaurants in Vancouver BC with her husband. In Salmo worked for Charlie’s resteraunt and River’s resteraunt. Nikki was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Nikki approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Home making, gardening, cooking, baking , knitting and crocheting. Nikki was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.In later years she gave most of her cooking, baking and garden produce to her neighbours and Friends.

Nikki enjoyed watching hockey and was a loyal Vancouver Canucks fan. In December 2018 she attended her first NHL game in Calgary, AB and watched the Vancouver Canucks defeat The Calgary Flames.

      Being generous with her time and energy, Nikki liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations.Throughout her later years, Nikki was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, Lady Lions and the Salmo Ladies Auxilliary.

      Faith was important to Nikki. She held high moral standards. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She belonged to Sacred Heart Parish in Salmo, BC.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Nikki used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go.Nikki had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Italy, Switzerland , Germany , Bahamas, Australia, Las Vegas, Reno, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York.

      Nikki was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Nikki’s favorites was Lady, a German shepherd.

       Nikkis new retirement life involved spending time in their new condo in Kelowna. In many ways, Nikki loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Nikki passed away on November 19, 2019 at Kelowna General Hospital. Nikki lost a short battle with cancer. Survived by her brother Vito, Her children Aurora and Dino , her grandchildren Dale, Michael, Adam, Keegan and Kiana, her great grandchildren Nicole, Mitch , Tyson, Dominic and Autumn. Service was held at Immaculate Conception Church , Kelowna B.C. Nikki was laid to rest in Nelson Memorial Park.

      All who knew her would agree that Nikki was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Nicoletta Vincenza De Laurentiis did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Nicoletta Vincenza De Laurentiis “Nikki” passed away peacefully after a short illness. July 29, 1929 - November 19, 2019 at the age of 90 years. Predeceased by her husband Domenico De Laurentiis October 15, 2010. Survived by daughter Aurora (Bob) De Laurentiis; son Dino (Alice) De Laurentiis; grandchildren Dale (Alicia), Mike, Adam (Heather) Foyle, Keegan and Kiana De Laurentiis; great grandchildren Nicole, Mitch (Montana) Foyle, Tyson, Dominic Foyle, Autumn Dodds-Foyle. Nikki cooked at Charlies Restaurant and River’s Cafe in Salmo, BC, owned and operated a restaurant in Vancouver, BC with her late husband in the early 1960’s. She travelled to Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Florida, Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, New York, Reno, Bahamas, Mexico and Australia. She belonged to the Lady Lions in Salmo, Salmo Ladies Hospital Auxiliary and the Salmo Catholic Women’s League. Her hobbies and interests included gardening, homemaking, cooking, canning, baking, knitting and crocheting. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday November 28th at Immaculate Conception Church, 839 Sutherland Ave. at 10:00 am. Entombment will be at The Nelson Memorial Cemetery, Nelson, BC on Friday November 29th at 1:00 pm. Donations gratefully accepted for the BC Cancer Society. Special Thank You to family and friends for your visits and support when mom became ill as well as your kind words and expressions of sympathy during this sad time. Thank you also for the cards, flowers, food and calls, your kindness and generosity has been comforting. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the De Laurentiis family.