Nicol Jeanette Graham

Nicol Jeanette Graham passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025. She was 55.

Nicol was born in 1970 to Stephie Graham and Ron Young and preceded in death by both of them. Also preceding her in death were her uncle, David “Davey” Graham, loving grandparents, Vera and David “Dye” Graham, and doting godparents Midge and Jeanette Angone. 

She is survived by many friends and her “chosen” family — her lifelong sisters at heart, Shere Irvine-Sterk and Deanna (Campbell) Walsh; Deanna being her longtime devoted caregiver. She is also survived by her forever favorite person, Angie Nichols, and Angie’s family who made her their own.

Nicol always loved and excelled in sports. She was an avid golfer as soon as she could swing a club and shooting baskets with a ball she could hardly hold on to from a young age. In a small town where athletics play a huge role, Nicol repeatedly helped rally the community spirit in her years at Florence High School. In 1988, she and her teammates won the Colorado State Championship in their division and Nicol went on that year to receive the coveted FHS “Women’s Athlete of the Year” award. Nicol was one of the most extraordinary athletes to come out of Florence, Colorado. She went on to play college basketball at Grand Canyon University in Arizona and Northeastern Junior College in Colorado. 

Nicol was well known in the Florence community and made countless friends in the years she worked for The Florence Citizen, the Royal Gorge, and Florence City Hall. Her memorable sense of humor, kindness, and generous nature won’t be forgotten. 

Among other things, she was passionate about fishing and camping at Lake O’Haver with the Nichols family. Through it all, she remained faithfully engaged to the sports teams she loved, never missing a Broncos or Michigan Wolverines game.

During the COVID Pandemic, Nicol suffered a debilitating stroke that changed her life. Though she recovered slowly from it, she battled other physical struggles and addiction in her life. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of her life will be held August 3rd at 2 pm at the Patio Pub, 4498 Bear Paw Drive in Florence. All those who loved Nicol are welcome to gather and in true spirit of our friend, Bronco attire is encouraged.

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