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Nichole Hickman Obituary
PEORIA - Nichole "Nicki" Lynn Hickman, 35, of Peoria passed away at 5:48 a.m. on Friday, July 4, 2014, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Nicki was born on Dec. 26, 1978, in Peoria. God brought this special "angel" into the lives of Allen "George" Hickman and Joan (Cerame) Hickman in 1980 at the age of 18 months, and they adopted Nicki in 1981.
This 4th of July truly became your "Independence Day," Nicki! It's the day you entered heaven's gates and were able to walk, run, talk, play, sing and give that beautiful smile of yours to Jesus! We know you truly became an angel and God has given you your wings!
Nicki attended Schramm Educational Center from 1982 through 2000. She also attended an Adult Day Program at Peoria EP!C (formerly known as PARC) from 2001 until June of 2014. Nicki had many friends at both Schramm and at EP!C/PARC. Nicki recently participated in a video for EP!C called "Happy," which accurately described Nicki's sweet attitude toward life. While life for Nicki was not easy, she was happy most of the time. She loved to laugh and smile, which brought much happiness to those who loved her. Nicki also attended St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria Heights.
Nicki leaves behind her loving parents, Allen "George" Hickman and Joan (Cerame) Hickman, both of Peoria; several aunts and uncles; and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; an aunt and an uncle.
Funeral will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 904 E. Lake Ave., on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 3 p.m. Monsignor William A. Watson will officiate. Visitation will be held at The Wilton Mortuary, 2101 N. Knoxville, Peoria, IL 61603, on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour before funeral services on Wednesday, July 9. Entombment will take place at American Mausoleum in Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peoria EP!C/PARC or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nichole Hickman
July 9, 2014
George/Joan Very sorry to read of Nickie's passing. I am grateful to have met her and I was always impressed by how both of you provided such a loving house for her. Please accept our condolences. Byron/Deb Yang
Judy Ganion PTA
July 9, 2014
Dear Joan and George,
I am so saddened by Nikki's passing but so happy she had so much love in her life from both of you. I feel blessed to have known and worked with her, she was so sweet and happy.
John Botorf
July 8, 2014
Just heard, sorry for the loss.
Connie Sawatzki
July 8, 2014
Truly she was a angel here on earth and she fought the battle here on earth and she won her wings in heaven. Praying for your family.
Mary Camp
July 8, 2014
I will always remember the joy Nicki shared at mass. My heart is sadden by the reality of your loss. Our angels on earth bring us and God such joy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
robert ellis
July 7, 2014
sorry to hear of her passing my wife marcia work with her at epic sne always use come to reading class like them very much our loss is heavens gain
Mary Weakley
July 7, 2014
George and Joan - I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Jane Pretty
July 7, 2014
Dear Hickmans,
I remember you from fostercare meetings when Nicki came into your lives. I can remember how happy you both were to become her parents. What a blessing you were to her, and she to you! My heart breaks for you.
Celebrate knowing you gave Nicki every opportunity to have a great life!
Jane Pretty
Nicki is now flying with the Angels
Terry Davis
July 7, 2014
Dear George and Joan, I am so proud of the two of you of how you said yes to God through your loving & caring for Nichole. I am having a Mass prayed by the Community of Saint John for Nicki and for you two. I know that Nicki is now resting in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - GOD BLESS YOU - Terry
July 7, 2014
Dear George and Joan,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Kathy Occhipinti, Corrine and Jared Callaway
Doris Hayes
July 7, 2014
Nicki was a joy to have at EP!C. She was so happy and made everyone around her smile. I feel truly blessed to have met Nicki.
Angie Bergquist
July 6, 2014
Such a sweet and beautiful person, both on the inside and out. So terribly sorry for your loss. She will truly be missed by many...
Donna Gillespie
July 6, 2014
Dear Joan & Georgie, So sorry for your loss. You are both in my prayers. May God give you comfort & strength through this difficult time. Nicki had a beautiful spirit about her & we will miss her smiles & laughs. Love you!
Bob and Terri Abner
July 6, 2014
George, We know Nikki was your life; and your world revolved around her. You were there for her 24/7 attending to her every need. God searched the earth far and wide to find two special people to care for his angel 35 years ago; and now He has called her back to be with Him. We are praying that you will feel God's loving arms around you in the coming days and weeks as you try to cope with the precious loss of your Nikki. Our Love and Sympathy, Bob and Terri
christiana douglas
July 6, 2014
will miss you RIH
GARY LISA OLDFIELD
July 6, 2014
YOU HAVE ARE DEEPEST SYMPATHY GARY AND LISA OLDFIELD
kathy kelley
July 6, 2014
George and Joan, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember George always tinkering for more ways to make Nichole's life easier. May God make this time easier for all.
gloria parrish
July 6, 2014
My deepest sympathy. Please know that the God of all comfort is with your family and will help you to endure the loss of your loved one (Romans 15:5)
July 6, 2014
I remember meeting Nicki when she was about 8 or 9 yrs. at your house. Yes she was a happy little girl. so sorry for your loss.
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