NIKKI DESCOTEAUX

1946 - 2022

DESCOTEAUX, Nikki (Klayman) Wife | Mother | Teacher | Social Activist "Be a voice, not an echo."

Through her unmatched strength and resilience, Nikki courageously battled pancreatic cancer for nearly 4 years; she passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 27, surrounded by her loving family. Nikki was 75 years of age, formerly of Dover, MA, Mashpee, MA, and Boynton Beach, FL. She was born on April 6, 1946 to Alfred and Melva Klayman in Syracuse, New York where she was raised. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Al Descoteaux, her son Mike, his fianc?e Deana Criess and their two children, Madelaine and Jackson, foster daughter Nicole Bumgarner, brother Mike Klayman of San Francisco, sister Jane Klayman of Cloudcroft, New Mexico and niece, Laura Welsh, of Temecula, CA.

Nikki graduated from Nottingham High School in Syracuse where she excelled in her studies, graduating salutatorian of her class. She went on to the University of Michigan where she received her BA and Masters Degree in French Language and Literature. While working on her Doctorate, she met her husband, Al, who was also pursuing a Doctorate in French Literature. At the U of M, Nikki developed her lifelong dedication to social activism, which she relentlessly maintained via Zoom and conference calls even through the years of punishing chemo treatments. She devoted her life to idealism, serving as an articulate advocate for the environment, women's rights, and equality for all.

In 1970, she moved with her husband to Boston where she took a teaching position at Dana Hall School in the French department. She was faculty advisor for the Network of Complementary Schools, conducting exchange programs with other schools throughout the US and Canada. Nikki volunteered for years in Congressman Barney Frank's Newton office, organizing and promoting student art programs. She was an active member of Kahal B'raira, a congregation devoted to peace and community through humanistic Judaism. After "retiring" to Florida with Al, Nikki actively engaged in the League of Women Voters both at the local level as well as national. She led many committees, especially those with educational missions. She also participated in Cowbra, a 100,000 member organization of 50+ community residents in Palm Beach county, chairing and co-chairing committees.

An ardent visual artist, Nikki expressed her creativity in many beautiful mosaics and glass works that she gifted lucky friends and family. She knitted beautiful afghans, donating these "comfort in covers" (her own label) to families in homeless shelters. She also loved and tirelessly supported the performing arts. Another of Nikki's true passions was the outdoors, traveling with Al to hike trails, beaches, marshes and mountains the world over.

Nikki's family is grateful for her medical support team through the years at Beth Israel Deaconess, Care Dimensions, and her universe of incredible friends. She will forever be remembered for her love of family, friends and advocacy for those in need. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 29 th . In lieu of flowers or other kind gifts, Nikki requested that contributions be made to organizations and charities that honor her inclusive values and life-long commitment to leaving the world a little better than she found it.