Nicole Elizabeth Hinton Stratton

 Nicole Stratton

January 17, 1975 - August 2, 2025

Nicole Elizabeth Hinton Stratton, 50, of Fairlawn Heights, Ohio, passed away on August 2, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of her college sweetheart, a devoted mother to two cherished daughters, and a loving daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend to many.

Nicole was one of four siblings—an older sister, Heather, and a middle triplet, born between her brother George and sister Amanda. Though she entered the world as a tiny force at just four pounds, nothing she did in life was ever small.

From an early age, Nicole swam competitively alongside her siblings and went on to become a decorated swimmer in her youth and high school years.

After graduating from Copley High School, Nicole attended Kent State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) with a minor in Athletic Training. She later completed her Master’s degree in Education at Wichita State University. During her time at Kent State, Nicole provided athletic training to many of the university’s sports teams, and it was also there that she met her future husband, Trent.

Nicole was an educator for more than 25 years, bringing energy, creativity, and a deep love of learning into her classroom. She was an avid reader, and always inspiring students through innovative literature and thoughtful discussions.

Nicole was a natural leader. Beyond the classroom, she was a strong advocate for public education, cancer awareness and other causes aimed at creating meaningful change. She served as the Teacher Association Union President, was an active member of the North Eastern Ohio Education Association (NEOEA), and proudly held a seat on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Education Association.

Nicole was a fierce fighter. She overcame thyroid cancer and a bout of lung cancer before facing a long and difficult battle with colon cancer. Throughout it all, she remained present and positive, grounded in her strong convictions and deep faith as a devoted Christian. During this time, she and her sister, Amanda, co-created The Cancer Sisters podcast, a space where they shared their personal experiences and raised awareness about living with cancer. Their candid conversations were open and honest, delivered with such courage, and also a touch of humor.

Nicole had a kind, gentle, and caring heart that was felt by everyone around her. Whether she was supporting injured athletes, teaching students, or offering guidance to her daughters, she gave fully of herself. Even while facing her own illness, she continued to uplift her siblings and remain present for a wide circle of friends who always felt her love.

She had a true gift for connection. Nicole was a hugger, a listener, and a source of comfort. She brought people together effortlessly—often around good food and easy conversation. Whether with family, friends, students, or colleagues, Nicole made people feel welcome and at ease, simply by being herself.

Above all, Nicole loved being a mom, and she was exceptional at it. Her daughters, Melina and Ava, were her greatest joy and proudest accomplishments. They are beautiful, bright, and kind; a reflection of the love, strength, and care she poured into them every day. Her legacy lives on in them, and in all who were lucky enough to know her.

Nicole was preceded in death by her father, George Hinton, and her sister, Amanda Hinton. She is survived by her husband Trent Stratton, her beautiful daughters Melina and Ava, her mother Sharon Hinton, her siblings Heather Taylor (Dwight), George Hinton (Shelly), her mother and father-in-law Marsha and Richard Stratton, sister-in-law Tara Stratton (Krish) and her nieces, nephews, Aunt Susan, other extended family and countless friends.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on FRIDAY, August 8th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 and SATURDAY, August 9th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Church, Montrose Location, 565 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Akron, OH 44333.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Nicole Stratton Memorial Fund via Venmo. Https://venmo.com/u/PlantTreeCHSMrsStratton Contributions will go toward creating a meaningful seating area with a bench and tree at Copley High School grounds in her honor.

Donations are also encouraged to the American Cancer Society or Stewart’s Caring Place, organizations that were close to Nicole’s heart.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)