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BORN
1962
DIED
2020
Nikki Howe Obituary
March 28, 1962 -
December 26, 2019
Santa Cruz
We are sad to announce that our beloved Nikki Howe, age 57, passed away at home surrounded by family, on Dec 26, 2019, due to complications from non-smoker's lung cancer.
Born on March 28, 1962 in Buffalo, NY, Nikki was the youngest of eight children. At the age of nine, Nikki and family moved to Superior, WI. In 1977 the family again moved, this time to Park Forest, IL. After high school, Nikki joined her three sisters, Julie, Patty, and Mary, in Santa Cruz, CA. It was here she met her husband, Steve Wilson and where her two children, Maggie and Chase, were born and raised.
Nikki received her master's in education at UCSC. She had many interests, and was very community-involved. Nikki was an incredible self-taught painter and her work was beautiful both acrylic and water color. She was totally dedicated to her job as mother and grandmother. Nikki served as a member of the Live Oak Community Alliance (LOCA), the Mental Health Board, and the Live Oak School District Site Council. Up until her passing, Nikki was an active leader of Conversations for Change, a venue for community members to come together and discuss controversial subjects in a way that hears and respects differing opinions.
Nikki and husband Steve operated Cafe Cruz for many years. While Steve ran the kitchen, Nikki managed the day-to-day operations, and created a beautiful physical space with her artistic talent. She also created a wonderful supportive space making sure that both staff and customers felt cared for and valued. Nikki and Steve involved the restaurant in the community, through participation in community events and donations to many local organizations.
Nikki is survived by her husband, Steve Wilson, daughter Maggie Wilson, son Chase Wilson, granddaughter Scarlet, mother Ann Howe, her seven siblings, and many nieces and nephews.
All are welcomed to celebrate Nikki's life at a drop-in memorial, Sunday, January 26, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at Cafe Cruz.
We all miss Nikki so much. Everyone that knew her would concur that her warm, loving and caring personality always shined.
She will live forever in all the hearts she touched. In memory of Nikki, we know she would love for you to participate in Conversations for Change, which meets the second Tuesday of each month, 5:15 - 7:30 pm @ the Santa Cruz downtown library.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nikki Howe
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
5 Entries
Susan Alexander
November 22, 2024
Nikki and I were best friends in high school. I´ve been searching for her for years. I´m sad to find that she´s gone, I´ve always wanted to reconnect with her. I smiled to see that people love her art, as I am an artist also. I´ve missed her all these years, and I´m sorry that I didn´t try harder to find her. She is definitely missed.
February 11, 2020
So Sorry to hear the new of Nikki's passing. She was a wonderful person and a huge supporter of our tourism community. She will be missed, god bless her and may she rest in peace.
Gary Green
Visit Santa Cruz County
Laura Estep
January 23, 2020
Family of Nikki, such a special lady so sorry to hear of this loss in your family, we were neighbors for many years next door and you have our piano. Will miss her and hold you all in our thoughts and prayers the God will give you peace and comfort. Sincerely, Laura and Lizzy and family.
January 22, 2020
May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead Psalms 119:76
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Gayle Yamauchi-Gleason
January 18, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to Nikki's family, friends and her restaurant family too. I feel so fortunate to have known Nikki, even if for only 2-3 years, working together on our team to bring Conversations for Change to the Santa Cruz Community. Nikki was a positive, shining light and using her calm, respectful & steady leadership style she would remind us often of the importance of being neutral in words & actions, & welcoming to people of all opinions who are willing to come together in respect to listen to and think through divisive issues with others who may not agree with them. I considered her a friend, and she will be greatly missed on our team.
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