Nicole Jeanne Kuhnke

Nicole Jeanne Kuhnke, devoted mother, beloved daughter, sister and respected pillar of the Tampa community, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Born on November 16, 1981, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Michelle B. Garvey and David B. Kuhnke, Nicole's passion for education, community involvement and leadership left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Nicole was a graduate of the Ethyl Walker School, Simsbury, CT; the University of Chicago with a double Bachelor of Arts in Law Letters and Society, and Environmental Studies, and Columbia University, NY with a Master of Arts in Climate and Society.

Nicoles working career started on wall street with Bank of America and BNP Paribas as Associate and Sr. Associate in Prime Brokerage and spanned roles with multi-national companies and tech startups until founding her own firm, Ivy Chain Advisory where she concentrated on Strategic Development and Execution, Financial Compliance and Audit, Technology Implementation and Project Management.

Nicole was always an avid promoter and supporter of Woman Owned businesses. She dedicated much of her life to serving her community in various leadership and background roles. As Co-President and Membership Chair of the Moms of South Tampa, she was a fervent advocate for Tampa mothers. Her commitment to education was evident through her tenure as President of the Rampello Downtown Partnership School PTSA. Nicole was also an active supporter of the Gorrie School community in Hyde Park, Tampa where Wright and Harper attend. Nicole's influence also extended to higher education as she served on the Board of Directors at AMA University and an Advisory Board for the Muma Business School at the University of South Florida.

Her dedication to her community was matched by her devotion to her family. Nicole was a loving mother to her two children, Wright and Harper, who will remember her as a guiding light filled with warmth and wisdom. She is survived by her parents, Michelle B. Garvey and David B. Kuhnke of Wimauma, FL; her brother, David L. Kuhnke and sister-in-law, Ashley Hosley Kuhnke of Tampa, FL. Nicole was also a cherished niece to her aunts and uncles, Donald and Sharon Garvey of New Lenox, IL, JoAnn Kuhnke of Herrin, IL, Carolyn Kuhnke of Springfield, IL, Dr. Mark Kuhnke of Naples, FL, and Kurt and Lisa Kuhnke of Leawood, KS. She also leaves behind her many First Cousins, Sean Garvey, Liam and Jen Garvey, Rory and Dan Perry. Alicia, Drew and Matthew Kuhnke and David and Sheila Kuhnke, Macy Kuhnke, Annika Kuhnke and many other cousins and extended family who will forever treasure her memory. She was predeceased by her uncles, Captain William Andrew Kuhnke and Keith Kuhnke, aunt Janet Kuhnke, aunt Jeanne (Garvey) Madigan and uncle Thomas Madigan, cousins Suzanne and John Madigan and grandparents John and Marguerite Garvey of Chicago, IL and William and Wilda Kuhnke of Johnston City, IL.

A celebration of life for Nicole will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with a service at 3:00 PM, at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S MacDill Ave Tampa, FL 33609.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the family’s memorial fund for the benefit of Nicole's children Wright (9) and Harper (8).