If the essence of nature is love, then Nicole was a force of nature.

Born March 22, 1983, she entered eternal life on July 12, 2018 in Scarborough, ON at her childhood home. In a mere 35 years, she would go on to achieve and experience more than many twice her age.

Her battle with a rare brain cancer began at age 19 and lasted 16 years, during which she endured 7 surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and experimental treatments. While on this journey, she graduated from university with distinction, engaged a successful career in radio, sat on the board of a local family shelter, traveled extensively, and was a loving mentor to more cousins than can be listed.

Late in life, she found a rare, once-in-a-lifetime love. Undeterred by late onset blindness, she spent her final year with her partner learning to throw an axe, shoot a rifle, ice fish, ski, skate, play hockey and so much more.

The force, as they say, was strong with this one.

Music was central to her life, a passion nurtured while studying at Mason Road PS, Bliss Carmen Sr. PS, Wexford CI, and the University of Windsor. Blessed with a powerful voice and impeccable rhythm, she delighted friends and family with her ability to make up catchy tunes and joyful lyrics from an early age. Her epic Karaoke parties were the stuff of legends; every Friday night for years she regaled her mom and friends with tunes belted out with unabashed joyfulness. In 2017, she recorded her first studio single, “Hole In My Sock,” which debuted on CHUM-FM’s “Roger and Marilyn” morning radio show, fulfilling a personal dream.

A spirited Toronto Blue Jays fan all her life, she embodied “There’s no crying in baseball!”, a quote from her favorite movie “A League of Their Own.” She relentlessly championed women’s issues and promoted a no-limits mindset in all of her female relatives. She was happiest when surrounded by close friends and family; her ability to craft stories and make people laugh was second only to her ability to inspire those around her to be the best version of themselves.

Her spirit lives on in her parents Maureen and Beharry, brothers Len and Randy, niece Cassandra, nephews Niall and Oscar, sisters-in-Law Michelle and Alicia, her partner David, and a large extended family of relations and friends from all walks of life. She reunites with her four loving grandparents, and older sister Sherry.

Her legacy will be found in the everyday kindnesses we show to one another. In lieu of flowers, Nicole would hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for a member of your family. Memorial donations can be given to Dr. Roz’s Healing Place, the Princess Margret Hospital Music Therapy Program, or the Jays Care Foundation, places where she harnessed her passion, and found community.

Even at rest, she continues to inspire.