Ulrike Hannenkamp

Born on April 24, 1961, in Vienna, Austria, 'Nikki' moved with her parents to Australia at the age of two. At twelve, she became a big sister—a role she carried with a mix of love and authority that never really faded.

In her early twenty's, Nikki moved to a town called Mount Isa in Queensland, where she met her neighbour Mitch, a Canadian with an easygoing charm and a dog named Ozzie. A casual invitation for spaghetti turned into something much bigger, marking the start of a lifelong partnership and many years of adventure. Nikki and Mitch met in 1981 and spent their early years exploring Australia together. Eventually Mitch's visa expired, forcing him to head home (with the dog, of course). After a year of long distance, Nikki decided to take on the Canadian weather.

Nikki made the move to Canada in 1985, where she was welcomed by Mitch and Ozzie. After a year in Willowdale, Ontario, the pair packed up for a road trip out west to Expo ’86—famously “borrowing” Gail and Barry’s canoe along the way. When they arrived in Vancouver, it felt like home, and they decided to stay for good. They then got married in Victoria, BC, on December 21, 1986.

In 1990, they welcomed their daughter Erin, followed by their son Neil in 1993. Nikki and Mitch loved taking the kids back to Ontario every summer to visit the family. Nikki also loved spending time in her garden or kitchen, talking fashion and life with Erin, and watching Neil play hockey.

In 2011, Nikki and Mitch took on a full home renovation, redoing the house and yard from top to bottom. She was especially proud of how it all came together, having a clear vision and seeing it through.

In 2021, Nikki was diagnosed with cancer. She faced it with resilience, honesty, and a sense of humor that stayed with her throughout the five years that followed.

Nikki will be remembered for her independence, her wit, and her adventurous spirit—from Austria to Australia to Canada, she built a life on her own terms and filled it with people she loved.

She is survived by her father Oswald in Austria, her mother Ernestine in Australia, her brother Ben (Pla) in Australia, her husband Mitch, and her children Erin (Anna) in New Zealand and Neil (Jenna).

In lieu of flowers and casseroles, we kindly ask that donations be made to Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, or BC Cancer Agency, in her memory.

Per Nikki’s request, there will only be a private small family gathering.