Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Nicole “Nikki” Elizabeth Santini, age 64, found peace in heaven on February 11th, 2023, while in hospice with VNA at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, FL. She joins her beloved dog, Cody, who went over the rainbow on December 28th.
Nicole was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and realized her dream of living in Florida when she moved with her husband, Kim, to Fort Myers, FL in 1990. She lived later in Weston before moving to Vero Beach in 2017.
Nicole was employed as an Administrative Assistant with a real estate brokerage and several banks in Minnesota, before working in administration and marketing for a real estate developer in Fort Myers until 2000. She then moved to Weston, where she worked for a lawn sprinkler company, as well as embarking on a home-based sewing and embroidery business on eBay until 2017.
She then moved to Vero Beach, where she made some great friends with the local Indian River “Kindness” Rocks group. It was then she began her real passion, doing volunteer work for local animal shelters and rescues by running weekend fundraising bazaars and raffles at the Indian River Mall. There she made many more great friends, organizing indoor markets at the Mall through December 2022.
Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Kim Hunziker, to whom she was a great friend and loving partner, her sisters, Alice Jo Carlson of Minnesota, and Nancy A. Cook of Connecticut, her nephew, Frank Kermes, her niece, Molly Casanova, and her niece, Elizabeth Hunziker.
She was predeceased by her parents, Frank A Korn and Yvette G (Casanova) Korn.
In recognition of Nikki’s great love of dogs, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach at 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967, Touch of Grey Rescue at PO Box 510311, Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951, or Delilah’s 2nd Chance Rescue at 4298 SW Carl Street, Port St Lucie, FL 34953. All accept website contributions.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Cemetery, Vero Beach.
Meredith Fuegel - Friend
February 17, 2023, 8:34 pm
So sorry to hear that Nikki has passed. It was a joy getting to know her and work with her at the Vendorfest Indian river mall My deepest condolences to her family and especially Kim. You will be in my prayers.
Tracey Soethe - Friend
February 17, 2023, 8:54 pm
I am so saddened to hear of Nikki’s passing. I met her and her husband through her generous charity to the Humane Society of Indian River. She worked tirelessly to ensure that donations were being made to support adoptions of shelter animals through the Vendorfest and Indian River Rocks. It was my pleasure to have worked with her on many different things since our first meeting and her loss will be felt by many. Rest in peace, my sweet friend!
Joni Smith - Friend
February 18, 2023, 12:14 am
How privileged we were to have met her, worked with her and call Nikki friend.
Tamra Crowley - Friend (Indian River Rocks)
February 18, 2023, 1:59 am
Nikki had been on my mind so much the past few weeks. I so wish I had reached out. I had no idea she was going through this. She was such a light in this world, caring, compassionate, giving of herself, her time, her talent. She will never be forgotten. Her beautiful radiant smile just made you feel special. I will miss you my beautiful friend. I’m glad Cody was there to greet you.
Carol Sommerville - IR ROCKS friend
February 18, 2023, 2:49 am
I am so sad to hear of Nikki’s passing, she will be missed by so many. I’ll never forget her passion for helping dogs. Prayers for her family.
Amy - Friend
February 18, 2023, 3:12 am
Nikki you will be severely missed. My life was better for knowing you thru the Rock group and later the raffle table. My prayers for your remaining family.
Mark Norman - Friend
February 18, 2023, 11:52 am
Nikki,you will be missed by all,I enjoyed painting rocks for you to raffle off for the puppies and kitties,you were an exceptional person and gave so much for your community.
Victoria Fay - Friend
February 18, 2023, 12:16 pm
Kim, I am so sorry for your loss Nikki was a beautiful spirit may she Rest In Peace♥️
Carmen Correa - Coworker
February 18, 2023, 1:00 pm
Sorry for your loss Kim I will always remember her at the store we share in the mall, rest in Peace Nikki I wish I would have known so I could have gonevto visit, fly high Nikki!!
Meta Holmes & Patrick Stover - Friends
February 18, 2023, 4:37 pm
We were shocked to hear of Nikki’s passing… My husband and I got to know her through the mall Vendorfest and enjoyed her wit and humor, love of animals, and admired her dedication to the various community projects that she supported through the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kim, the family, and all of her friends.
Mousie Jean - Indian River Rocks
February 18, 2023, 8:54 pm
I’m so saddened of the loss of Nikki. I was always excited when would ask me to make something for the raffles. I just can’t believe this happened. May she rest in peace.
Valleri Collier - Indian River Rocks
February 19, 2023, 2:34 am
I am sorry sorry to hear of Nikki’s passing. I knew her through Indian River Rocks. I volunteered a few times at the mall and donated rocks to the cause. I own a few of Nikki’s pet blankets that she so lovingly sewed and a few of her painted rocks- I will treasure them I got to meet her beloved dog Cody a few times at her house. Nikki was such a kind lady who did so much for the humane society. She will be missed.
Eileen Pollacek - Friend ♡
February 19, 2023, 2:42 am
Nikki I am so blessed to of had you in my life ….to have to pleasure of calling you my friend . People like you are rare and never forgotten. I love u and will miss you always. Kim you have my deepest condolences for the loss of your beautiful Angel.
Crystal, Ally, and Gabby - Indian River Rocks family
February 19, 2023, 3:03 am
My girls and I will cherish the memories we have of Nikki. Her beautiful blankets are adored by my girls and have kept them nice and warm. Like those blankets your warm spirit and kind heart will genuinely be missed by our community and Indian River Rocks family. Paint on my beautiful friend. I’m sure your already hiding a rock at the pearly gates.
Hope Miller - Friend
February 19, 2023, 10:01 am
I am at a loss for words and so saddened to hear this. Nikki had a heart of gold, especially when it came to helping the animals. She was always upbeat and would give the shirt off if her back if someone was in need. I think many of us have at least 5 or more of her masks she made. We have truly lost an amazing woman and a great friend. Prayers to her family.
Michele Berlin - Friend
February 19, 2023, 4:48 pm
I am shocked to hear of Nikki’s passing . So sad to hear such a vibrant person is no longer with us. My life has been impacted by Nikki’s love, kindness and generosity. My deepest condolences to Kim as I am praying for you that God will comfort you during this time of great loss. RIP forever missed
Jim Healey - Neighbors
February 19, 2023, 6:00 pm
Diana and I are saddened for your loss Kim. So often when we passed your home while walking Buddy, we would stop and chat with Nikki as she nurtured the beautiful flowers in your gardens. Her love for Cody was immense, and we know she (and you!) had a soft spot for Buddy. She will be greatly missed.
Daniel & Deborah Robinson - Neighbors
February 19, 2023, 10:24 pm
Danny & I are so saddened and surprised to hear about Nikki’s passing. We are sending our thoughts, prayers during this difficult time for you and your family. We are here if you need anything.
Tricia Pagoria - IRR friend
February 21, 2023, 4:01 am
I’m truly saddened to hear of Nikki’s passing . She was truly a Angel here on Earth and her love for all fury babies was so genuine.. Nikki made a very special rock when my Sophie passed away and my Kahlua and Oceana their own special puppy blanket. Your love was never ending and we will miss you .. fly high my friend and please give my dear friend Kathy a Big hug for me ..
Ursel Santana - Friend
February 24, 2023, 2:48 am
I was so sad to hear of Nikki’s passing. She made me feel so welcome in 2018 when I met her at the Mall and introduce me to the rock group. She loved animals and worked so hard for the Human Society.
Carolyn Robinson - Friend
February 25, 2023, 6:09 pm
I am shocked, saddened and stunned to learn of Nikki’s passing. She was so vibrant and full of life and love for everyone..especially the furry four footers. I am so fortunate to have a couple of her wonderful blankets… and will now treasure them even more. She was such a talented and generous soul and was loved by so many in the IRR group. Farwell, my friend..I know you will be the guardian of all our pets who have crossed over The Rainbow Bridge..until we meet again❤️❤️❤️
Gigi O. - Indian River Rocks
February 25, 2023, 6:36 pm
My deepest condolences to her family. She was so amazing with my kids and I. A very generous and sweet soul that loved people and those dogs! I was blessed to know her.