Nicole E. Montanye Celebration of Life

Nicole E. Montanye (52) of Chicago, Illinois passed away after a courageous 5 ½ year battle with cancer, surrounded by her wife of over 20 years and her friends, who she lovingly referred to as her Chicago family.

Nicole was born in Endicott, NY, the daughter of Susan (Meyer) Montanye and Thomas (XIAO LAN) Montanye. Nicole is the granddaughter of William and Mary (Peg) Meyer of Croghan, NY and Elwood Montanye and Eileen Micha of Binghamtom, NY.

Nicole is survived by her loving wife, Gaby Novacek, her parents, a sister, Lynn Lujan, and her two very special nephews, Thomas and Levi Lujan of Camden, DE. She is also survived by her uncles, Tim Meyer, Minnesota, Rob (Lu) Meyer, Croghan, David (Sandy) Meyer, Croghan, Peter (Mary) Meyer, Lowville, Paul Meyer (Rikki Smith), Carthage, Dennis (Beth) Meyer, Croghan, Jim Shea, Johnson City, NY, as well as her aunts, Janet (Raymond) Moser, Croghan, Sarah O’Brien, Croghan, Joyce Montanye, Arizona, Peggy Asma, Arizona, Jean Montanye (Michael Bogdasarian), Binghamton, and several cousins and friends.

Nicole bravely fought cancer with an amazing outlook, was a fierce advocate for herself, and was always seeking out, and open to trying, new treatments to “keep up with the science”. She was a true Rainbow Warrior with a desire to see as much life as possible.

Nicole is predeceased by her maternal and paternal grandparents, two uncles, Thomas Meyer and Paul Asma, three aunts, Connie; Janice and Mary Meyer who died in infancy. Nicole and her sister spent many summers as children in Croghan with their Grandma and Grandpa Meyer.

Nicole deeply enjoyed traveling and experiencing different parts of the world – she visited several countries with her wife, Gaby, and was always willing to share a story from her many travels, all of which her family and friends loved to hear. While Nicole loved traveling, she also loved her life with her Chicago family and friends, especially Laura and Natalie.

A celebration of life will be held on September 28th, 2024 at the Croghan American Legion at 3:00 PM. All are welcome to attend, and we are looking forward to celebrating the joy and light that Nicole truly embodied.

If you would like to make an impact in honor of Nicole, donations can be directed to The Riverbend Project in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which is a free local non-profit organization offering fly fishing retreats for those impacted by cancer. Alternatively, you can support Coming Up Rosies in Chicago, Illinois, an inspiring organization dedicated to bringing joy and confidence to children facing illness through creativity and self-expression. Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of many.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.