Nicolette Zaninovich

It is with broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of Nicolette Zaninovich on June 6th, 2015. She was the most loving and generous daughter, sister, aunt and friend that ever walked the earth and will forever be in our hearts.
Nicolette was born the middle daughter to Nick and Anna Zaninovich on March 24, 1950, in Bakersfield, Ca. She attended Delano High School and California Polytechnic University of San Luis Obispo. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree from California State University Los Angeles. After graduating she moved to Agoura Hills, California in 1973 where she lived until moving to Sedona, Arizona in 1993.
Nicolette led a life that could not be explained by dates and facts. Simply said, Nicolette lived life as she wanted. She was adventurous, creative, fiercely independent, and more than anything else, loyal. She "loved". Anyone who met Nicolette knew that she loved her family and friends without measure, never failing to tell them this. At any time she would drop whatever she was doing to come to your side. If you were sick, she would be the first at your bedside. If you were having a bad day, she always had a remedy, whether it was her unparalleled sense of humor, a wave of her jade and feathers, or just a shoulder to cry on. Nicolette had a laugh that could fill a room, and her presence alone could brighten the darkest of days. Her behavior was completely selfless, only asking for respect in exchange.
A family member commented, "You know what was the most wonderful thing that struck me about Nicolette? She lived life on her own terms and the way she wanted to. I always thought of her as having infinite courage and strength. She truly got to live life in her own way. How beautiful is that?!"
She is survived by her two German Shepherds, "The Boys", Ares and Sig, who will forever miss their Mom's care and love. Her mother, Anna Zaninovich, sisters Maryann Billings (D), Donna Hochschild (Peter), nephew Matt Billings (Eva), niece Lauren Giumarra and nephews Chance Hochschild and Keenan Hochschild. Her great nephews include Jack and Nick Billings, Johnny, Christian and Matthew Giumarra. Her great nieces include Alex Billings, Marcella and Anna Giumarra. It is impossible to not mention the countless loyal and supportive friends she met throughout her life and travels. Nicolette loved, respected and treated her friends like family. They impacted her life as much as she affected theirs.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday June 15th, at Saint Francis Parish 900 H Street, Bakersfield, California. We ask those of you that knew her to never forget her and to do a random act of kindness in her memory.
Carpe Diem.