She is survived by her daughter Melissa Johnson, son-in-law Jonathan Růžek, and her grandchildren Felix and Fern, who loved her deeply and will carry her memory forward with gratitude and honour.

She lived a full and complicated life, marked by resilience, strength, and a spirit that was never meant to be contained. Those who knew her well understood that her journey was not always simple, but it was deeply human.

Some of our most cherished memories with her are the simplest ones: sharing pots of coffee during conversations filled with laughter, joy, and her unforgettable presence; playing with her grandchildren; and sitting at a table, cards in hand, playing game after game of crib. She never went easy on her opponents, especially if it was her family and did not miss an opportunity to beat her daughter at any card game she taught her, taking great delight in doing so. These moments are cherished and now live on as laughter and love.

Niki loved her grandchildren, Felix and Fern, to the moon and back. They adored her, and they miss her terribly. She loved them with her whole heart, and her presence will continue to be felt in their lives in quiet, meaningful ways.

In remembering her life, her family finds comfort in the words of Mary Stevenson’s Footprints in the Sand, a favourite poem of Niki’s. There were times when the road was long and difficult, when it may have seemed she walked alone; however, it was during those hardest moments that she was being carried. Now, as her family grieves, they hold onto that same comfort, trusting that she is still being carried in love and peace.

She leaves behind a family who will hold her memory in stories, laughter, card games, and love. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered always.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to https://www.thelastchancecatranch.com/