Nicola Cecile Hodge

It is with great sadness that our darling Nicola passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 47 years old surrounded by family and friends. Her devoted parents, Bruce and Laura Hodge, have loved and cared for Nicola. who was born with Tuberous Sclerosis (a degenerative brain disorder). She loved life and surpassed everyone’s expectations. For the past 20+ years, where she lived with Bruce and Barry, she has called Princeton home. Nicola got to live the best version of herself. The community support and acceptance made this possible.

Nicola’s early years were spent in Coquitlam, as the big sister to; Natalie, Hilary and Cecilia. Nicola has always been a coffee lover. Her first steps, at age 3 ½, were taken towards a mug of it. Some of her first words were “car ride” and “me too”.

She went everywhere with her sisters, and was always included. Mom took the girls camping every summer at Porteau Cove (using Nicola’s free pass). Nicola loved sitting by the campfire, going on flashlight walks with grandma and grandpa, and swimming at Pebble Beach.

Laura has many fond memories of riding the carrousel at Heritage Village with Nicola, looking at family photos, watching favourite movies, and visiting friends.

Nicola was a social butterfly; the loudest in the room. Her special talent was not only remembering everyone’s names, but also the names of their family and pets. She was an animal lover; and one of her great joys was having her own pet, her beloved dog Maxie, who could read her moods.

Nicola was known for her singing ability and stage presence. She was the first to grab the mic and would change the lyrics to include family member’s or friends’ names, all while keeping the tune and engaging the crowd.

Dad directed and produced Christmas Eve plays, quite elaborate events, including costumes and songs. Nicola, of course, took every opportunity, to upstage her sisters.

Nicola loved visiting with and hearing stories about her four nieces (Sienna, Naomi, Sadie Nicola and Annabelle). Her double trouble nephews (Cairo and Phoenix) kept her entertained. She enjoyed flattering her brothers-in-law by calling them (Colin) handsome and (Jonathon) cute.

Her Grandma Julie was a special person in her life. She enjoyed spending time with both sides of the family, Nicola acting as the glue.

Nicola loved talking on the phone and hearing about pandemonium in her sisters lives.

Nicola believed that her look alike sister Natalie (often confused as her twin) was needing of her support, not the other way around.

As soon as Hilary got her license Nicola was her first passenger, going to Robson Street and favourite restaurants; Red Robin, McDonald’s, etc. Because of Nicola, Hilary went into nursing.

Nicola was Cecilia’s bestie and Nicola joined her on all her adventures whether it was camping, Playland, dog parks, river tubing, and travelling on public transit. Cecilia remembers how Nicola died still believing in magic, so sweet and innocent.

The people of Princeton knew her as a bright light, a friendly spirit and generous in complements. And who could forget her laughter? Nicola would always say her heart was in the Similkameen.

A Celebration of Nicola's Life will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Princeton Legion.