Nicole was one of the first friends I made when we moved to Indianapolis in 2012. She welcomed me with warmth and kindness to her French Conversation Group, that I attended for many months, without being a member of AIW. Nicole was always smiling, no matter what pain and health issues she was suffering from. She was generous and kind to everyone, always inviting us to her home for lovely meals or for coffee- she lovingly made falafels and her famous fattoush salad, her meat pie and beautiful desserts, for all to enjoy.  She was a very hospitable hostess. She loved being part of the Cooking Demonstration group and always had a lot to contribute through her love of cooking.  She told me how much she loved Bollywood movies, that she would watch on her iPAD. She loved the colorful and blingy costumes and jewelry. She loved watching my daughter dance her classical Indian dance and always inquired about my mother, after my papa passed away last year. Most of all, I enjoyed my innumerable conversations in French with her. We would talk about many different topics and she would tell us stories of her family, and of Lebanon.  I carry many fond memories of sitting in her living room or at Barnes and Noble, practicing my French with her. 

Nicole, you hold a special place in my heart. You left us too soon and I strongly feel the huge void.  I will miss you dearly. Rest in Peace chère amie. ♥️

Serge,
I must tell you what is so often hard to put in words in the moment... I recall when we were introduced through the Burks.  I've watched you look over, protect and provide for your mother for years.  Your pursuit (and hers) of Citizenship was honorable and I know, through your experience, it has far more meaning than those who were born with such privilege.  May your memories of your mother, in time, bring comfort and healing.  May they continue to inspire you and keep you smiling as time moves on. 

It was an honor to be there for you and your family on Sunday although my time was short in attendance and my tongue was tied.  My prayers for you all.
T Ray Phillips and family

Dear Nicole,
Thank you for  sharing your knowledge and  enthusiasm for cooking and the French language with me. Thank you for loving my cooking those few times that I had pleasure to share my cooking and knowledge with you and for your many compliments on one of my favorite, and later your favorite cakes, called "Bajadera". I truly regret not having a chance to bake it just for you, as you kept saying that you could not perfectly copy my version! I will be making your falafels in the years to come, thinking of you. I feel very sad that we didn't see each other in the last few months, but I will cherish the memory of having you as a friend those few years...
Rest in piece, my dear friend. I will miss you dearly!
Lots of love,
Viska


Dear Nicole,
Our paths met infrequently but you touched my life. I wish we had more time. I'll always remember your smile, your humor and your tabbouleh, the best ever.
May your family find comfort in their memories of you
 Love endures.
Sally

Meeting Nicole was very special for me.
We participated in several activities together over the years and discovered we had similar interests.  She had a very social and generous spirit, always willing to help in some way, for some cause.  
I will never forget, several years ago, I held a fundraiser in my home in Carmel  for Breast Cancer Research.  Nicole did not hesitate to donate her time and efforts to create beautiful hors d’ouvres to serve at the fundraiser.  Her commitment was solid and with purpose.  That is one of the many  memories I have of Nicole that touched my heart profoundly.  She was a graceful, loving, generous, kind, and intelligent.  I feel blessed to have known her.  She will always be present in my heart.♥️


A woman of indomitable spirit and delightful humor.  Nicole's generosity, kindness and many leadership years in several roles with International Women Indiana were truly wonderful.  Her passion to share knowledge about Lebanon was admirable. A very fond memory is her being aghast at my feeble attempt to cast on my knitting and her insistence on undoing and redoing it for me immediately. Such happy laughter for all of us there. A very sad loss for IWI and for her family and friends

Nicole was the leader of our IWI French group, and as a beginner, I got her to myself a lot before the other more advanced speakers came to the meetings. She was a patient teacher who truly loved to help people learn. She also hosted us in her home for the Needlearts group, and when I say hosted, I mean she rolled out the red carpet for us every time and provided the most amazing spreads of food you can imagine! We were so lucky to have her, and I am fortunate to have gotten a copy of her cookbook, and will remember her fondly every time I use it! She was so proud of her children, Serge, Joelle, and Georges, and though I never got to meet them, through her stories of them I feel like I know them! Thank you for sharing your mother with us at IWI! She will be sorely missed by so many! 

My condolences to her daughter and sons and their families on the loss of their dear mother, Nichole.
I only recently met your mother a.few years ago in her writing group. I immediately liked and enjoyed her spirit. She was a lovely woman with a great wit for catching the human spark in her stories. 
I felt that she was a story teller of folk tales even as she shared her stories. I will miss her greatly and those stories.
May her voice always be heard in your head and heart.

Nicole I will miss you terribly.  Sending  you now a bouquet of tulips and a batch of lemon cookies for you to take on your final journey.  Goodbye until we meet again.

I believe that it is never an accident when someone comes into your life, whether it be for a season, or for a lifetime.  As a member of the International Women Indiana, I have known Nicole since I joined. Her passion for cooking, sharing her story and her food with everyone, her smile, and her vibrant personality are what I will always remember about Nicole.   My life is better in having known Nicole.  My thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort are with Joelle, and the entire family.  

I will fondly remember Nicole. I always looked forward to taking care of her and talking to her about food. I am honored to have known her and to have her cookbook   It is a great loss and my thoughts are with her family. 

Nicole Melki was one of the sweetest and nicest person I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet in my life! Her beautiful zest for life was always  apparent in everything she did.  She was such a wonderful mother to her children, a blessing to her students and an amazing cook!  I was blessed on many occasions to enjoy the delicious meals that she prepared with such love and dedication. My thoughts and prayers go out to my dear friend Serge, his wife Vivian and his sister Joelle.  Please know that you’re all in my thoughts and prayers.  
Love,
Sam Arce

There are people that come to  this world and leave a small impression and then there are special people who walk this earth and leave a giant imprint behind them.
Nicole was one of those special people.
She always had a good nature and would find ways to put a smile on one's face no matter the circumstances.
She would jokingly call me "Ya Ebne" (my son) and I would jokingly reply "Yamme" (mom) but to be honest this inside joke was closer to reality.
Nicole embraced our family as if we were her own children and treated our daughters as if they were her grandchildren. She shared with us our happy moments and was there for us in our times of need, offering her unwavering support, advice and wisdom.
She leaves a big void in this world but I find a small solace knowing that she has touched so many lives, ours included.
"Ra7 echta2lik Yamme" (I will miss you mom).





Tante Nicole,
You were like a grandmother to me. 
I grew up with you there and you treated me like I was your granddaughter rather than a close friend's daughter.
I will never forget you and you will always be in my heart.
I miss you Tante Nicole,
Love,
Thea

Tante Nicole,
I always loved the way you cared about us and made us our favorite treats.
I also loved how you always listened to our stories and told us some stories of your own.
I will never forget you and will miss you a lot.
Love,
Gioia

Tante Nicole,
I am so sad that you passed away.
I will miss you a lot and will always hold a place for you in my heart.
With all my love,
Clea

My fondest memories of Nicole occurred during her readings of stories written for the AIW Writing Group.  Nicole had a way with story-telling that was unique and always brought a smile to my face - and many times a surprise ending.  I have a scarf Nicole knitted me when I left Indy and moved to Atlanta.  I wear it often.  When I do I remember the woman with the beautiful smile, a woman possessed of kindness and merriment.  She has joined that awesome band of witnesses who have gone before, and I bet she is telling a story or cooking a savory dish, are simply sharing her optimism in life.  I was honored to have known Nicole.
     Harriett Smith

I met Nicole  almost 10 year ago,  as we both belong  to International Women organization  and  share passion for needle art.
Nicole volunteered to host our group's "Needle Art" monthly meeting in her house and provided us with stable location for many years. She provided not only the place, but was gracious and generous hostess. Her table was filled with  special treats and Lebanese goodies. ( we all know to be grateful to Joelle, who did lots of prep work for us) .Nicole loved her kids and was very proud mom. We all know their names and little of their lives in Lebanon. She shared her love  for Lebanon presenting  very informative power point presentation on her birth country.
My husband and I enjoyed Nicole's company and she can never be forgotten. May God grant her Eternal peace.                                                      (Photo  below  is from May 2019 -Thy, NICOLE, Laura, Alieta and Josephine) 

Although I only knew Nicole for a somewhat brief time period,  I will never forget all her passion, enthusiasm, understanding, kindness, generosity,  etc. as expressed through her wonderful leadership in the French conversation and Cooking Demonstration groups of IWI. 
Nicole was very understanding of my flawed French, which she so nicely spoke to me in most of the time I saw her, no matter the occasion. She was a great teacher of French to anyone interested,  as well as a great cook who eagerly and generously shared as well. In addition, Nicole  shared  parts of her very interesting and fascinating life, which I found very enjoyable.  I hope her book of her life does get published! 

Nicole also welcomed me as well as many others, into her home as a special friend and guest.  She selflessly offered her home as well as many Lebanese and other delights to everyone! 

I wish I had had more time to spend with this fascinating and loving lady, she will truly be missed!  I offer my sincere condoleances to her entire family, especially to Joëlle. Peace, strength,  and comfort during this difficult time.
Kim Muller 
kimbejeweled04@att.net 

http://bambisafkar.ca/index.php/2020/10/13/au-revoir-tante-madame-nicole/



Nicole, 
It ‘s time to publish the story you wrote about your life experiences. 

I am sure it will inspire a lot of people. 
I am  honoured you shared it with me few years ago and we discussed how it could be published. 
I am confident George, Serge and Joelle
are proud of you. Will miss u dearly . 
Till we meet again my dear, keep smiling 
love 
Maya 

Those we love don't go away,
they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard,
but always near,
so loved, so missed,
so very dear.
Nicole you will always be in our heart , i remember the first day i met you in 2003 , you called me and invited me to your home.  the rest was history . Those were the beautiful days . that i will always remember .We had our ups and downs  but  our love and respect for each other kept us close, Rest in peace my dear.

“ Et j’ai pleuré...”

Nicole , I never imagined your death is going to hit me that hard, it made me think so deeply about life and taught me too many lessons .
Your death taught me not to postpone meeting and seeing your loved ones to the next day , to find time to see them and spend time with them as much as you can.
It taught me to live life to the fullest and not to worry about things much .
Coco, you taught me to always laugh , be kind , have a big heart and wise mind in handling life’s challenges and people.
You taught me to keep a low profile even when you know way more than everyone in the room and act humble and simple .
You taught me not to be selfish and pretentious .
You taught me to stay young in spirit and attitude but at the same be gracious and command self respect .
Joe is going to miss climbing on you every time he sees you ..
George , the kids and I are going to miss your cheerful voice , your shinning sunny face ,our conversations  and your smile that never one day left your face .

Nicole ... “Et j’ai pleuré ..”

I met Nicole in Cyprus back in the 90’s. She was the most hospitable, kind, understanding and ‘cool’ mum. A remarkable lady! Her house was open to everyone and she treated everyone like members of her own family. Her smile never left her face and she was a role model of how mums should be. She had a heart of gold, always caring, loving and giving.  She will always be remembered with respect and love and so proud to have met her. May her  soul Rest In Peace 🙏

OBITUARY

Nicole Melki

January 10, 1946 – October 12, 2020

Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary

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