Our beloved Nicole passed away December 4th, 2012. She was only 29 years old. Born here in Phoenix, she lived most of her life here. From the very beginning, we all knew what a very bright, beautiful, energetic, loving girl she was. She charmed everyone who encountered her. In grade school, she was a Girl Scout - one year she even sold 1,320 boxes of Girl Scout cookies! She also played the flute in band and achieved top grades. During junior high, she continued in band and became a member of National Junior Honor Society, all while still maintaining top grades. In eighth grade, she was asked to join the People to People Student Ambassadors. As a student ambassador, she traveled to several different European countries to represent the United States. While attending high school at Moon Valley High School, she was in the marching band, starting on the flute. Then, learning a whole new instrument, moved to the French horn in order to help the band sound better. Nicole also advanced to National Honor Society. She graduated from Moon Valley with honors and began her young adult life. After a few years, her love for animals led her to enroll in the Veterinary Technology program at Kaplan College. She had definitely discovered her true calling in veterinary medicine. Once again, she achieved top grades and graduated with honors in March of 2012. Almost immediately, Nicole was hired at Palo Verde Animal Hospital. During her employment there, she was happier than at any other time in her life and it showed. She loved the animals and the clients. But, most of all, she especially loved the other employees at the clinic. As she shared her clinic stories with friends and family (which was all the time), she always referred to them as family too.
Nicole had many interests in her lifetime. She loved the ocean and the mountains. She always had her love for animals although her favorite animal changed from time to time. Her creativity shined through in many aspects of her life. For Nicole, music was also a big part of her life. She enjoyed listening to (and singing to) many different singers of all types of music. Her music collection was very large and she treasured it. She loved being around children and wanted some of her own someday. Her love for Christmas was a highlight of the holiday season for all those who knew her well. As a member of the congregation at Northwest Church of Christ, she learned more about the bible and, as always, made many dear friends. Her baptism through the church was very well attended.
All throughout her short life, Nicole made a huge impact on the lives of those who knew her. People were drawn to her beautiful smile, her sparkling eyes and her loving, caring, considerate, boisterous and often comical personality. This last Halloween, she showed up at the clinic Halloween party as Beetlejuice in full costume and make up. She had everyone in stitches! But, then again, that was Nicole and no one would have expected any less.
Nicole is survived by her parents, step-parents, 3 sisters, 1 brother, 1 niece and many aunts, uncles & cousins. A memorial service for Nicole will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14th, 2012 at Northwest Church of Christ located at 5110 W. Union Hills Dr. in Glendale. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the AZ Humane Society or you may bring a gift wrapped toy to the memorial service to be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Nicole’s honor.
As those of us that remain here after Nicole’s passing try to find a way to deal with our loss, Nicole would tell us to be strong, love life and above all, dance! Dance to the music like nobody is watching. Enjoy the sunshine – but wear sunscreen! Nicole…”son of a biscuit!”…our hearts are broken. We will miss you terribly, but we will love you always.
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