Nichole Grace McMillan

In Loving Memory: Nichole Grace McMillan, a Bright Soul Gone Too Soon

Portland Oregon-Our hearts are heavy as we say good bye to a remarkable and beautiful soul, Nichole, who left this world too soon at the age of 39, surrounded by family and close friends, due to complications from cystic fibrosis. Her spirit, resilience, and love for life touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born on February 1st, 1984 in Spokane, Washington. Nichole was born too early and too tiny but she embodied strength and determination from day 1, facing her challenges with an unrelenting appetite to grow stronger. She never allowed her illness to define her. Instead, she seized every moment, infusing it with laughter, passion, and a zest for life.

Nichole and her husband, Evan supported each other throughout their journey together. They built a life filled with compassion, understanding, and love. Their bond was unbreakable, a testament to the power of love in the face of adversity.

She was an adored mother to her precious child, Violet, a source of unconditional love and endless inspiration. Nichole's heart overflowed with joy and pride as she watched her child grow, nurturing her with an abundance of love, patience, and strength. Her legacy lives on through the child she leaves behind, forever imprinted with her remarkable spirit.

Nichole cherished her family and friends above all else. They were her pillars of strength and support. Through life's ups and downs, they laughed, cried, and celebrated together, creating cherished memories that will forever be treasured.

She had an insatiable curiosity for the world around her, finding solace and inspiration in music, art, nature, her pets, science, space, and soccer. Music was the rhythm that danced through her veins, soothing her soul and lifting her spirits. She could play just about any instrument but her favorite was the bass clarinet. Art spoke to her heart, igniting her imagination and serving as a vibrant expression of her innermost emotions. Nature was her sanctuary, a place of tranquility where she could find solace and embrace the beauty of the world. Her pets held a special place in her heart, their unconditional love and companionship providing comfort. Science and space fascinated her, igniting her imagination and sparking a thirst for knowledge that knew no bounds. And soccer, her favorite game, brought her joy and excitement.

Nichole's kindness and compassion knew no limits. She touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. Her vibrant spirit, laughter, and genuine warmth radiated through her interactions, brightening the lives of all fortunate enough to cross her path.

As we say good bye to Nichole, lets celebrate the extraordinary life she lived. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, and boundless joy. May her spirit forever guide and inspire us, reminding us to embrace life's precious moments, to find beauty in the simplest things, to always be curious and to approach every challenge with unwavering strength and a sense of humor. In her honor, let us strive to live each day with the same boundless love, unyielding courage, and contagious joy that Nichole exemplified.

Though Nichole may no longer walk among us, her love and light will forever illuminate our lives. May she find eternal peace, free from the pain that burdened her, and may her soul soar among the stars she admired so deeply.

Nichole is survived by her husband, Evan Cooper, her child, Violet Cooper, her parents, Darla Ashford and Terry McMillan, her grandmother, Neva Ashford, her siblings, Brea McMillan, Adam Leigh, Keirstin Leigh and a multitude of family and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. .

Rest in peace, dear Nichole. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered, always.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute https://www.cfri.org/ways-to-give/