Nichole 'Nikki' Lynch

NICHOLE "NIKKI" RAE LYNCH

Marion

Nichole "Nikki" Rae Lynch, 35, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center after a hard fought battle with triple negative breast cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, April 24, at Lowe Park in Marion from 5 to 9 p.m.

Nikki was born Oct. 31, 1981, in Webster City, Iowa, the daughter of Laura Stephenson. She graduated from Jefferson High School and received her bachelor's degree in sociology and criminal justice from Simpson College in 2004. Nikki dedicated much of her career to serving as a mentor and role model to disadvantaged youth through her work at Anita Daniels and Foundation 2's Independent Living programs. In 2012, she took over the role of managing the business she and her husband grew together, Lynch Construction, which also allowed her to spend more time at home watching her children grow.

After she graduated college, Nikki had plans to join the Peace Corps, but her plans were interrupted when she unexpectedly met Dan Lynch. She quickly realized that the path she was supposed to take was with Dan by her side. She married the love of her life on May 24, 2008. In 2010, they welcomed their first child, Noelle. Noelle's tenacity, fearlessness, strength and drive to be the best are the mirror image of her loving mother. In 2012, their family grew again with the addition of Dawson. This boy is his mother's heart; sensitive and caring, Dawson's gentle soul was understood best by Nikki. Their family was made complete in 2014 with the birth of Everett. Everett's free spirit and quest for adventure brought so much joy to Nikki and her immense love was best seen during their quiet moments together filled with snuggles and back rubs.

Nikki's greatest moments in her life centered on Dan and her children. They gave her life meaning and joy, and Nikki knew her purpose in life was raising these three perfect children alongside Dan. Throughout her yearlong battle with cancer, she fought every day and every day was fought for one more day with her children.

Nikki is survived by her husband, Dan; her three children, Noelle, Dawson and Everett; her loving and devoted mother, Laura; sister, Erica Stephenson, and niece, Gabriella; aunt, Terry (Jerry) Moran; uncles, Kerry (Carol) Harris, Guy (Mary) Harris and Doran (Donna) Harris; father- and mother-in-law, Larry and Chris Lynch; and many other extended family and friends who loved and will miss her tremendously.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Doran and Pauline Harris.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Nikki's name to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation (www.tnbcfoundation.org).