To me, Niki was truly a one-of-a-kind person. Yes, I know, we are all unique and special. But there really was something special about Niki. I think I knew Niki since the 4th grade. One of the things I found both maddening and endearing about her was her ability to turn in papers or projects late and always seem to make it be okay with the teacher - even teachers who seemingly had a strict "no excuses for lateness" policy. I don't know if being late was part of her Greek heritage, but I did learn after living in Greece for a few years in my 20s that Greeks have a much looser appreciation of time then we do and their concept of being on time was much wider than ours. Another memory of Niki was her absolutely beautiful wedding and reception. The wedding was beautiful at the Greek Orthodox Church which overlooks Lake Calhoun, incorporating a few charming Greek Orthodox wedding traditions in the ceremony. The reception was at the Interlachen Country Club and was one of the most elegant affairs I've ever attended. We were in beautiful reception rooms with waiters coming around with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. That was followed by a multi-course sit-down dinner with a server for every few people in an elegant dining room. There were toasts and then music and as I recall, some old Greek men speaking Greek on the sidelines. A lovely affair and a happy way for Niki to start her married life!

When I think of Niki & high school, one of the first things that come to mind was her amazing portrayals of Peter Pan & Ann Frank in the school plays. I was in girl scouts, band, & plays with her. I was honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. Her Greek heritage was very important to her and I enjoyed learning about it. She was a dear friend who was tragically taken away too soon. Niki, your memory is a treasure.

Niki will truly be missed. She was a kind heart, big and loving like her father George and mother Marion. She was sweet and funny, and we had a fun time at junior prom. She was very out going and had big expectations. Although George made it clear that the prom was never going to be more than a one date, because although we shared faith in Christ, the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic faith would probably never reconcile and so it was useless to think there might be any other dates as far as he was concerned. And I worked three summers driving dry cleaning delivery for this man! Still I fondly remember Niki and her fun loving heart. Her laughter at the re-union will be missed.

Hard to believe Niki has been gone for 17 years. For those of you who don't know, Niki and her son Nick died in a snowstorm in Montana. Tragic circumstances that were made worse by the recent death of her husband. Niki was one of a kind! She was a friend from grade school on - through band, Girl Scouts, drama (and she was dramatic! ;) Our birthdays were one day apart and we often celebrated together. I hadn't stayed in touch with her after she married but never thought she'd be gone so soon. RIP Niki.