Denise Nicks

Denise Nicks, born and raised in South Africa, was a South African skating ice dance champion and "Miss South Africa". She starred in an ice show and toured South Africa for many years. She met and married her husband, John Nicks, who was also an ice skater. They immigrated to California via England and Canada. They had two children, Kim and Chris, to whom she was a loving and devoted mother. Denise taught figure skating at Costa Mesa Ice Chalet for many years.
Denise then moved to Newport Beach where she, along with her husband, Bill Hardesty, owned and operated a restaurant on Balboa Island - Park Avenue Cafe - for 27 years. Denise had a passion, talent and instinct for creating delicious recipes which made diners happy , returning often, and many became good friends.
Denise moved to Bayside Village in 2013 and really enjoyed the sleepy village vibe and she loved being so close to the ocean. She loved her beautiful garden, animals, painting, and YouTube. Denise will be dearly missed by her family and friends.