About Nicole

Candles

Please visit and “Like” Nicole’s Memorial Facebook page to view pictures, posts and past events  www.facebook.com/NicoleMarieGarrishMemorial

Nicole was born on May 30, 1989 at Northshore Hospital on Long Island, New York.  She is the daughter of proud parents John and Anna Marie and loving sister to her younger brother John Jr.  In August 1990, the Garrish Family moved to sunny Boca Raton, Florida.  Nicole attended Hammock Pointe Elementary grades K-5, Eagles Landing Middle School 6-8, Spanish River/Olympic Heights her 9th grade year.  Her Sophmore year she opened the new West Boca Raton High School.  She was named Varsity Cheerleading Captain her Sophmore year.  At the end of Nicole’s Junior year her Mom, Anna, became very sick and hospitalized multiple times.  Nicole transferred into Boca Raton High School in order to help her mother and family manage the situation.  She was envied by many for the sacrafice she made to help her family out.  A couple months later, Nicole earned the honors of Varsity Cheerleading Captain at Boca Raton Community High.

During Nicole’s school years she was very active both on and off school grounds.  She was a Brownie and Girl Scout for 5 years.  She actively particpated in Student Government all through Elementary, Middle, High School and Sophmore year of her college year at Florida State University.  Nicole’s cheerleading journey began at 5 years old at Boca Jets Optimist where she cheered for 5 years before moving on to competitive cheerleading.  She proudly wore the Champion All-Star uniform, as well as Boca Jets All-Stars before moving onto to the extremely competive Miami Elite All-Stars.  She competed with Miami Elite at levels of Pee-wee, Junior Co-Ed, Senior All Girl and 5 Girl Stunt Team.  In spite of all the time she dedicated to cheerleading Nicole still found the time to participate on the Girls Lacrosse team at West Boca High School and Boca Raton High School while maintaining an “A” average in academics.

From 2007 – 2011 Nicole attended Florida State University where she was an active member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority holding an executive position.  Nicole’s love for her sorority and her sorority sisters was unimaginable.  To this day, the sisterly bond Nicole shared is carried on through her sorority sisters to her mother, Anna.

Nicole had a love for community involvement and charity work.  She was a volunteer junior cheerleading coach for Boca Jets Optimist Club and North Broward Prep. School.  She particpated in many Walk-a-thons and 5k Runs throughout the years.

Nicole’s Junior year of college she interned at Cox Reps in New York City.  Her senior year she was invited back and given a permanent position with the company.  Nicole accepted the offer and upon graduation moved to New York City.  She received 2 job promotions during her short time with the company.  Unfortunately, her 3rd promotion and newest roll with the company she never had the opportunity to fulfill.  Her goals for herself were set high.  One can only imagine how far she could’ve gone if she was given the opportunity.

On Nicole’s last day with us, April 21st 2012, she was able to enjoy some of the things she loved most one final time.  She got her last gym work out in, her last tanning session, sipped her last cup of Starbucks coffee and then her final breath was taken while she was shopping at the mall.  Nicole suffered from an aortic aneuorism.  If only we knew and the doctors knew how sick she really was.  If only we were better educated about high blood pressure in a 22 year old.  Why did the “silent killer” have to take our Nicole way before we were ready to let her go.

She has left many family and friends behind.  All who wished for one last hug and one last goodbye.  But in our hearts, we hope that Nicole truly is in a heavenly place and that we will see her again.  We pray that when we say we feel her presence, it really is her.  We hope for all the Pennies from Heaven that she drops upon us that she gives that silly little giggle as she watches our face light as we hurry to pick it up.

Sweet Nicole, may you rest in peace.  We promise, as our role model, dear friend, loving daughter and sister, you will never be forgotten.

We love and miss you sweet Angel.  Please continue to shine on us as you guide us, with strength, to be the person you were.