Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

1435 State Street

Quincy, Illinois

Nicole Estepp Obituary

Nicole Ann Estepp, 47, of Quincy, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Quincy, IL.

Nicole was born May 4, 1978, in Florence, SC to Lee and Laurie (White) Charity. They survive.

Other survivors include her daughter, Madeline Estepp (Sage Embree) of Edwardsville, IL; and her brother, Christopher Charity (Amy) of Charlotte, NC.

Nicole was preceded in death by her grandparents and her dogs, Frank and Nova.

A graduate of O'Neal High School in Pinehurst, NC, Nicole continued her education at Grove City College in Beaver Falls, PA, where she studied business and human resources. Her career at WGEM spanned 18 years, where she excelled in various roles, most recently as a sales assistant.

Nicole's interests were as diverse as her talents. An avid reader, she devoured books of all genres, with Dorothy Parker being among her recent favorites. Her love for art was profound, finding joy in the works of glass artist Chihuly and the masterful paintings of Chagall. Nicole's appreciation for creativity extended to her diverse taste in music, enjoying the melodies of Jim Croce, The Ramones, Gaslight Anthem, and Father John Misty.

A wonderful cook, Nicole's soups, stews, pasta sauces, and her famous banana cake were the highlights of family gatherings. Her passion for sports and competition was evident in her unwavering support for the Buffalo Bills, her enthusiasm for Rafael Nadal's tennis matches, and her enjoyment of MLS Soccer.

Nicole's love for board games, crossword puzzles, and trivia nights with her team showcased her intellectual curiosity and playful spirit. Yet, above all, her greatest joy was the time spent with her family, especially her daughter, Madeline. Nicole's love for her dogs, Frank and Nova, who preceded her in death, was a reflection of her kind and compassionate nature.

Nicole Estepp's life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and learning. Her funny and intelligent spirit will continue to inspire us, and her memory will be cherished forever.

Friends and Family are invited to Nicole's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm with Pastor Matt Hunt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Quincy Humane Society.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-Whig on Oct. 21, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicole Estepp

Sponsored by O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home.

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Nicole Estepp's name

Memorial Events
for Nicole Estepp

Oct

23

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

1435 State Street, Quincy, IL 62301

Oct

23

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

1435 State Street, Quincy, IL 62301

Funeral services provided by:

O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

1435 State Street, Quincy, IL 62301

How to support Nicole's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Nicole Estepp's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more