Nicole Handley Obituary
Visit the
Nelson Family Mortuary website to view the full obituary.
It is with both a heavy heart and a spirit of celebration that we remember the life of Nicole Handley, born as Hsuen Er Ku, who, in her dedicated journey on earth, was an inspiring and ambitious woman who left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on the 13th of March 1974, in the beautiful city of Pingtung City, Pingtung County, Taiwan, Nicole was a spark of light in a world that often needed it. She left us too soon on the 12th of October 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and faithfulness.
Her resilient spirit and dedicated heart were the foundations of her life and the beacon that guided her journey. Her ambition led her from her hometown in Taiwan to her residence in Orem, Utah; the first of her family to ever complete such a feat.
The principles of her faith and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ were the guiding posts in her life. She loved the words of Alma the younger to his son Helaman in Alma 36:27. Throughout her life, she indeed was "supported under trials and troubles of every kind… and in all manner of afflictions" God did deliver her. Until the end, Nicole faithfully put her trust in God and knew without a reason of a doubt that He would still deliver her. Because of her devoted faith towards our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ, she was blessed with her greatest gift from God. Her two children, Athena and Enoch Handley.
Nicole was a beloved mother, daughter, and friend who cherished her family deeply. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her children faithfully in the gospel of Jesus Christ. She devoted her life to teaching her two children, Athena and Enoch, to love Christ and their Father in Heaven, as well as to love the gospel of Jesus Christ; succeeding in imparting to them the same strong faith that was the cornerstone of her own life. For 17 years she faithfully played both mom and dad, tirelessly building and providing a prosperous life for both her and her children. Ever motivated by Christ's words to Joseph Smith in Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:7, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment"; Nicole instilled resilience and diligence in her children as well as the countless students whose lives she had the pleasure to bless.
Nicole was not only a dedicated mother but also an inspiring elementary school teacher - a role she passionately served for 12 years. Fueled by her love for teaching, Nicole was committed to instilling in her students the same passion for learning that she herself possessed. Nicole was more than just a teacher in the classroom; she was a guiding light in life. She embodied the attributes of Christ and uplifted all those around her. Her love for knowledge was matched only by her love for the exploration of the beautiful world that our Father in Heaven has created for us. An avid traveler and gifted photographer, Nicole captured the beauty of the world and the moments that she spent in it and shared it with those fortunate to know her.
Her visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 450 West 1800 South Street, Orem, Utah, beginning with visitation at 9:30am MDT, followed by the service at 11:00am MDT.
In celebrating Nicole's life, we remember a woman who was inspiring, resilient, ambitious, and above all, dedicated to her faith and family. Her legacy is a testament to the power of love, faith, and determination. We encourage all those who knew Nicole to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page as a tribute to her beautiful life and enduring spirit.