Nadene Nikiel

Nadene Louise Pepple Nikiel was born in Newton, NJ on September 30, 1949 to Donald and Frances Pepple. She had an older sister Eline, an older brother Moe, and a younger sister Laura. She married Christopher Nikiel January 19, 1991 and they had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. She has two children Alisa (Ali) Nikiel Cecchini and Christopher Nikiel. Ali is married to Robert Cecchini and Christopher is married to Tina Ellis Nikiel. She has seven grandchildren and one grandchild-in-law. They are Miranda Cecchini-Roosevelt (20), Jacob Cecchini-Roosevelt (21) spouse, Veronica Cecchini (14), Elaina Cecchini (13), Sha"Linda Cecchini (1), Timothy Nikiel (10), Trenton Nikiel (10) and Brooklynne Nikiel (6). However everyone she met called her Granny, and she never met a stranger. She is survived by her younger sister, husband, children and all grandchildren. Nadene graduated high school in Anchorage, Alaska, and lived in many states during her life including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Arizona, California, North Carolina and Kansas. She worked in insurance most of her adult life in both regional and agency offices. She was an active member of Paola Christian Church and helped in many ministries there. She worked for a time as a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels, and then later at the Senior Center in the kitchen. She was a foster parent for lost animals with Hope, and she rescued many animals through that program. Her husband and son are Masons, and she would make deserts for the Paola Masonic Lodge on a regular basis. A few years ago she went on vacation and traveled Europe. She went to see the Weeping Lion in Switzerland as this had been a lifelong dream of hers. She had traveled to every state except Hawaii. Nadene loved to read and almost always had a book or her Kindle with her. She started sewing at a very young age and made doll clothes out of scrap material by hand and then learned how to use a sewing machine. She would often drag her daughter and granddaughters to material stores so she could touch each bolt of fabric. She crocheted many things, but doilies were her favorite to do, and she had just learned how to knit. She loved to do crafts of any kind, and wasn"t afraid to try a new one. She did all of the flowers for her daughter and then later her granddaughters weddings. Nadene surprised her family by becoming an organ donor later in her life. The family is very happy that her life will continue on in others. Nadene was called home by her Lord and Savior May 15, 2016. She will be missed by her family, her lifelong friends, and all of the people that she was able to help during her life. She was a sister, a wife, a mom, and a Granny all rolled into one. We love you! Nadene's Memorial Service will be held Saturday May 21st at Paola Christian Church, 302 E. Peoria, Paola, KS at 2:00 PM, dinner will follow. Paola Christian Church, 302 E. Peoria, Paola KS Service: Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 2:00 PM Visitation: No Visitation