Nikki Nicol

Nikki Lynn Nicol, 64, of Lonaconing, passed away on December 31, 2015, at home surrounded by her family following her courageous battle with ovarian cancer accompanied by Paraneoplastic Syndrome.   We are proud to say that she now stands in the presence of the Lord.  It wasn’t an easy path to Heaven, nor is it meant to be.  God truly does give us more than we can handle, and she handled her illness with the upmost of dignity.  As a family, we became aware of the burden bestowed upon Nikki.  Although it was too powerful for us to emotionally come to grips with, in the middle of all the grief and the muck, we found a promise: God is faithful to meet us in the mess and the pain.  For that, we are forever inspired.
Born on January 21, 1951, Nikki was the daughter of the late William H. Fazenbaker and Betty I. (Likens) Fazenbaker.
Nikki was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lonaconing.  A 1969 graduate of Valley High School, she was also a long-time member of the George’s Creek Sorority Angels, the Good Will Firemen’s Auxiliary and helped coordinate the CROP walk with her church for many years.
Nikki was always apt to put everyone else’s needs before her own.  She made sure everyone in her presence felt loved and appreciated.  She brought a smile to many faces during the years that she waitressed at Marshall’s Confectionary.   One of Nikki’s favorite sayings that her family and friends will hold dear during this difficult time is, “It will be ok, it will be alright, it will be just fine.”  She instilled in us the value of family, and gave reassurance that we would get through her untimely demise by choosing love and by helping each other through the valley of despair.  “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans, Chapter 8)”.  It is within these words that she lived, and it is within these words that she will eternally remain.  Even in certain defeat, we remember her courage, her instinctive love, and the validation that life is not a series of meaningless acts.   It is, however, a series of random and selfless acts that cultivate memories and provide reassurance of eternal life in Heaven.   It is there, that we will see her again.
Nikki is survived by her devoted, beloved husband Gregory “Peck” Nicol, who cherished her love, humor, and dedication; and by her two daughters, Shannon Raines and husband, Donnie of Fort Ashby; and Summer Farris and husband, Mark of Cumberland.  She also leaves behind her five beloved grandchildren who were the center of her world, Hannah Raines, Noah Raines, Leah Raines, Lakyn Farris, and Andon Farris.
She is also survived by her siblings, brother Daryl and wife, Linda Fazenbaker of Frostburg; sisters Carol Thomas and husband, Rob of Cumberland; Jeanie Laffey and husband, Steve of Cumberland; Amy Hutcheson and husband, Alan of Lonaconing; mother-in-law Ruth Nicol of Lonaconing; brother-in-law Gary Nicol and wife, Brenda of Myrtle Beach, SC; sister-in-law Jeanne Warnick of Lonaconing; brother-in-law Scot Nicol of Lonaconing; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received at the Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Lonaconing, MD, on Sunday, January 3rd, 2016 from 2 to 4 P.M., and 7 to 9 P.M.  Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lonaconing, on Monday, January 4th, 2016 at 2:00 PM with beloved Pastor and great friend, Pastor Thomas Morgan officiating.  Family and friends will be received one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Moscow Mills.
The entire family would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of the family, friends, and community that surrounded us, provided meals, love, prayers, and powerful support during the last 8 months.  We would also like to thank Dr. William Houck, Jr. and Dr. Patrick Capone of Winchester for the outstanding care and compassion that they provided during Nikki’s illness.  Also, our never-ending gratitude to everyone at Egle Nursing Home, Lonaconing, for the exceptional and personal care that was provided to Nikki during her stay; and finally, to the Western Maryland Health System Hospice Services – you have one of the hardest jobs in the world, and you do so with such grace.
In memoriam of Nikki, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church/Kitchen Fund (Lonaconing), P.O. Box 216, Lonaconing, MD 21539 or the Western Maryland Health System Hospice, 1050 W. Industrial Blvd., Cumberland, MD 21502.  May her memory continue to bless those in need throughout our entire community.