Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Nikki Lynn Gilbreth

Nikki Gilbreth Obituary

GILBRETH, Nikki Lynn
(Biotti)

Coeur d'Alene resident Nikki Lynn (Biotti) Gilbreth, 64 passed away from cancer on January 8, 2011 while visiting her children in northern California. Born and raised in Kellogg, Idaho, Nikki was the daughter of Charles and Elaine Biotti who both preceded her in death. Nikki married Terry Gilbreth in 1968 and had lived in Kellogg, Idaho, Spokane, Washington, Ogden, Utah, and Danville, California. Upon retiring, Nikki and Terry moved to Coeur d'Alene last summer. Nikki worked in health care and retail, but her greatest satisfaction in life was raising her two children and enjoying her three grandchildren. Nikki enjoyed international and domestic travel with her family, and was gifted in arts and crafts.
Nikki is survived by her husband of 42 years, Terry Gilbreth of Coeur d'Alene; her son James, 39 in Pleasanton, California; her daughter Melissa, 31 in Sacramento, California, three Grandchildren, Samantha and Dillon who live in Imlay City, Michigan, and Nicole residing in Pleasanton, California, her brother Jim Biotti in Dallas, Oregon, her uncle and aunt, Floyd and Beverley Klein of Medimont, Idaho; and numerous cousins and aunts living in northern Idaho and Washington. Memorial services will be held this summer at the family's lake home on Medicine Lake.
In lieu of flowers and remembrances the family is recommending memorial donations to the Hospice of your choice for the love and comfort they provide families in the most difficult times.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Nikki Gilbreth

23 Entries

February 3, 2011

Nikki has always been the sister I never had.I have loved her for as long as I can remember.We certainly had our fights, as children will when they spend alot of time together,but we always made up usually in just a matter of minutes.We had great adventures and bad haircuts.She could somehow talk me into letting her cut my hair and my dolls hair as well! As adults we moved around and couldn't always see each other regulary, but we would write long letters and never lost touch.I could talk to her about anything and everything.She was a shoulder to cry on,go to person for advice and best friend! Her death will leave a permament hole in my heart.Nikki was loved by my whole family.Roy will miss her warmth and the teasing banter that went on between them.She was generous and goodhearted,had intense sense of right and wrong.She was so dedicated to her family,her father meant the world to her and she made sure he was well taken care of.He always got his huckelberry cake and favorite dishes all summer long while they were at the lake place.She so loved that little piece of ground.Terry was the love of her life.We can't tell you how sorry we are that your soul mate is gone now,Terry.We love you!Jamie and his family and Melissa were so precious to Nikki.She couldn't of been more proud of you both and all of her grandchildren!We are so sorry to know how much you are missing her.With all our love,Roy and Kristin

Melissa Gilbreth

January 26, 2011

Dear friends and family,
Thank you so much for all of your love and support and for sharing your memories and stories about mom. It is so amazing to see how many lives she has touched and just how much she is loved. I have so many wonderful memories with her, rather it was our trips to Vegas or Hawaii or just cooking together at home. My most treasured memory is waking up early in the summer and sitting with her on the back porch of our lake home. We would sit and drink coffee and talk about everything and anything that came to mind. I loved that time with her. I could call her anytime and we would just talk, she would give me advice when needed but mostly we would just make each other laugh. Words cannot express how much she is missed. She used to tell me how blessed her and my father were the day they brought me home from the hospital. Honestly, I am just as blessed and honored to be a part of a loving and supportive family. God could of not picked a better family for me. Thank you mom for all of your love and joy you brought to my life. You were not only my mother but my best friend and I will always treasure our relationship.
Lissa,

Kevin & Cheryl Klein

January 25, 2011

We have so many cherished memories of Nikki and the times our families spent together. It didn't matter if it was 10:00 in the morning or 10:00 at night, Nikki was excited that we had come to visit. She loved to include us in her family events and her life and we are thankful that we were privileged to be a part of her life.
Nikki's intensity for life was real. She said it like it was and didn't beat around the bush when it came to anything. Openness, honesty and truthfulness were some of her attributes and she surrounded herself with people who had the same qualities. Her desire for these qualities to be in all of us could make for some love-hate moments, but love always prevailed. Nikki always made sure of that.
We all know how much she loved her family. She was so very proud of each and every one of them and to see her face light up when she talked about them or teased them was so joyous to witness. She was always there to listen, always there to teach, always there to hug and always there to love...Now her children have learned to do the same for their children...what a beautiful thing she passed on to them.
As we move into this next season in life without Nikki, our prayers will be for Terry, Jay & Melissa and their families. We understand and share your sadness and pray you will find comfort in knowing that Nikki is at peace. There is a big void where Nikki's presence was, but there is a life full of memories of her that we will continue to cherish.

Mary Jo & Jim McNulty

January 25, 2011

There are no words to express our pain and sorrow for the loss of Nikki. Her love of family, passion for life, and joy of laughter touched everyone who knew her.
Friends come and go as we travel through life, but Nik and I had an instant connection and bond when we met. We shared tears, joy , and laughter, and did we laugh. We had many adventures as we traveled and I will treasure every memory and am so blessed to have been able to call her Friend.
To Terry, Jamie, Melissa and all the family we can't even imagine the void in your lives. Our hearts are broken.

January 25, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

January 24, 2011

Terry, Melissa, Jay and Family:

Words can not even describe how sorry we both are for the loss of Nikki. She was one of a kind. We are thankful to have known her and have been blessed to have had her and your family in our lives. We have many fond memories of her but the best ones are definately at the lake house that she loved so much. Her strength and kindness have helped our family through tough times and her humor and good nature added life to ours. We are truly blessed to have known her and will never forget her. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Dave and Corri Greene

January 24, 2011

Terry, James & Family:
I often would see Nikki waving from the back yard near the 3rd fairway at the golf course - always smiling and always warm. I am very sorry for your loss and think of you all the time.
Warmly, Joe Shea

January 24, 2011

We were so saddened to hear of Nikki's illness and death. We extend heartfelt condolences to Terry, Jamie, Melissa and the extended Gilbreth/Biotti clan.

Sharing dinners, skiing and good times shopping (Nikki had a wonderful sense of style!) were among the highlights of the memories that came flooding back to us. Her confident presence, her radiant manner and her quick wit weave their way through our remembrances.

Know that our thoughts are with you as we extend our sincerest sympathies.

Les and Mari-Pat Boughner

January 23, 2011

Dear Gilbreth Family,

We know how little words written can possibly mean to you at such a time. But we must at least tell you that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

With deepest sympathy,
Floyd & Marian Majka

Beverley & Floyd Klein

January 22, 2011

I have loved Nikki since she was born and spent many times as her babysitter. As a little girl she loved to spend time with my mother and me until it came to staying overnight, then she never wanted to see her parents drive away. There was a time it even came to throwing herself in the dirt road to protest. She outgrew that and we had many enjoyable times as she grew up.
Nikki was a flower girl at our wedding and recently helped celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary which made it very special. Nikki and our daughter, Kristin grew up with a very close relationship. Sometimes they were little trouble makers playing with snakes, playing with bumblebees on strings, then letting them try to fly at the end of their tether.
We were privileged to attend a lot of Nikki’s special occasions, graduation, wedding, welcoming both of her children into the family and always our wonderful summers back and forth across the pasture.
We were together during stressful times as well, always able to support each other especially this past year since her return home.
Our love for Nikki is unending and we will forever miss her love, sense of humor, caring, talents and her presence in our lives.

Sue Greene

January 22, 2011

To Terry, Melissa, Jay and Family, and all of you who knew and loved Nikki: It has been a priceless experience to share time and love with our outstanding and talented Nikki, and a very sad time now in mourning our loss.

Nikki was my very close, very cherished friend for twenty years. My fondest memories include some harmless pranks, hours of floating the waves off Maui, precious time with each others' families and new and long-time friends, morning omelets, miles of travel to Nevada listening to Abba on tape, commenting on the "funny tree" on the way, countless hours of discussing world and local events and of course solving any problems involved, sharing our love of reading, and all time shared with each other.

I miss my forever friend and always will.

Cindy (&Gary) Ladd

January 21, 2011

Dearest Gilbreth Family,
It is with love and sorrow that we write this message. Nikki was a gem in many ways and always a wonderful friend. We did many arts and crafts projects together including Brazilian embroidering and Ukranian eggs. We had many lunches and early dinners together wherein we always talked easily seemingly for hours about family, laughing and crying together.
Over the years since retirement I have thought fondly of her often and I'm sure will continue to do so. She will be sorely missed.

Donna Molgard

January 21, 2011

So sorry to hear about Nikki. She was a one of a kind and a great neighbor and sorority sister. My children still repeat one of her favorite sayings "we should have eaten them when their bones were soft". She had a great sense of humor and was a loving, caring person. I know a little about what you are going through as I lost Michael just 3 months ago. My heart was shattered, as I am sure yours are as well. I have to keep telling myself that they are in a better place and preparing a place for us. My heart and prayers go out to you at this time.

Andrew Lennox

January 21, 2011

My memories of Nikki are warm and enduring. Nikki's spirit and zeal for being "in the moment" was contagious. She was an incredibly real person and had no pretenses or make-believe about her; she called it the way she saw it. She had a remarkable, effective and refreshing ability to see through and call out nonsense. And when you were with Nikki she made you feel like you were the only person in the world. Her infectious laugh was always preceded by a keen sparkle in her eyes and an engaging smile.

Listening to Nikki recount her travel experiences was like being there. While others may have glossed over the pertinent details or subtle nuances, true to form, Nikki would always give you the real story interspersed with her wonderful sense of humor and keen sense of reality. Three of my favorite stories are; how she and Terry managed front-row seats at a Celine Dion concert; summers in Coeur d'Alene; and, meeting (and swimming) with Terry for the first time.

But these stories pale in comparison to when Nikki would talk about her family. It was clear to anyone within earshot that the center of her life and reason for her being were Terry, Jay and Melissa and the grandchildren (Oh, the grandchildren!).

Her love for Terry, Jay, Melissa and the grandchildren was made obvious in the ways she spoke of them, and bragged about their every accomplishment.

As deeply as Nikki will be missed by friends, the loss is even greater for the entire Gilbreth/Biotti family and our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Andrew Lennox (Danville, CA)

Alfonso Sobrado de Vicente-Tutor

January 21, 2011

I am so sad to learn the terrible news of Nikki´s passing. In the 13 aniversary of my mothers´s death, today like in that day, I know a great person, mother, woman and friend has left us, leaving a huge void in the hearts of every person that had the privilege of getting to know her. My sentiment of loss goes beyond of what I can express in words and in the english language. I am honor to had the chace of knowing her and always will remember her and our long talks during the nights of my stay in the U.S and what a great and loving person she was. I am just so sorrowful and I feel a little more orphan today.

January 21, 2011

Nikki was a wonderful friend to me for many years and I remember some great times we had together. We were best friends. She adored her son James, daughter Melissa, and husband Terry. I am sure that when the grandchildren and in-laws came along she loved them too. Family was everything to Nikki. I am saddened to hear of her passing and you are all in my prayers. Cathy Bradshaw (Winnemucca, NV)

Scott Hanson

January 20, 2011

To the Gilbreths
I want you to know that thoughts and condolences go beyond those that knew Nikki. While I didnt know Nikki personally, I have known Terry over the past few years from golf. And with that acquaintance, I know that there is much love and bond within your family, and that that is most likely due to the wonderful life that Nikki lead. I am sure she was quite a woman, Wife, Mom, family member or friend. But as time passes may your memories grow fonder knowing that the existing bond and love within the family was due to Nikkis and a life lived by example.
Sincerely

Nicole & Grandma

DeAnne Gilbreth

January 20, 2011

DeAnne Gilbreth

January 20, 2011

Nikki was not just my mother-in-law. For all intents and purposes, she was my mother.
She loved and protected me as though she had given birth to me. She was the best mother in so many ways. I admired and respected her more than any other woman on this earth. She always put her family first, before anything else. She was the most loving, selfless, and caring woman whom I have ever had the privilege of knowing and loving. She gave me not only love, but comfort, advice, and support. She was always there for me, & it will be impossible to fill the void her death has left in my heart. She was a one of a kind, very special person. I can only hope all the wonderful memories I have, will help to comfort me in the future. I am so very thankful to her for all she did for me. Believe me when I say, the list is very long.
I know that she is with God now, watching over us, her family. I cannot even put into words how much I will miss you mom. I love you.

Mary Jane (Scott) Watt

January 20, 2011

May your memories comfort you during your time of sorrow. I'm very sorry for your loss.

I remember Nikki as warm, caring friend in Kellogg during our teenage years.

With sympathy,

James Gilbreth

January 20, 2011

Mom and Dad - Disneyland 2006

James Gilbreth

January 20, 2011

James Gilbreth

January 20, 2011

I wanted to take the time to thank all of our friends and family for the tremendous outpouring of support and love that has been shown to all of us during this time of great tragedy and loss in our lives.
There has never been a more loving, caring, compassionate and selfless mother on this earth than our Mom. If I can only be half the parent to my children as she was to me then they will truly be blessed.
People say that things will get better with time. So far all I am finding that is that the longer removed from her death the more I miss her.
All I can really say at this point is “thank you, Mom”. Thanks for all the great memories. Thanks for always putting your family first. Thanks for all of the lessons in life (even those you had to beat into my head or butt depending on my age). Thanks for always forgiving me for my short comings and mostly thanks for always loving me unconditionally and without reservation. God hold you tight and look after you until we meet again.

Love always and forever,
Jamie

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results