Nicole Cantalicio

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened…” - Dr. Seuss.

Nicole (Nikki) Celeste Brammer Cantalicio, 48, beloved mother, wife, child, friend, and fierce protector to all, passed away too soon after a valiant battle with cancer. Her life journey ended on Thursday, April 18th, leaving an irreplaceable void in all who knew and cherished her. Her loving family and friends were by her side.

Nikki was born November 17, 1975, in Des Moines, Iowa, to MaryAnn Septer and John F. “Jeff” Brammer. She was dedicated at West Des Moines Christian Church in 1976 and baptized at Ashworth Road Baptist Church in 1987. Nikki attended Clegg Park Elementary, Stilwell Jr. High, and Valley High School (’94) in West Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Simpson College in 1999.

Nikki was a remarkable individual whose vibrant spirit and infectious (loud) laughter brought joy to many near and far. From the earliest days of childhood, she possessed a gift for spreading happiness and kindness wherever she went, including at her first job working – alongside many of her high school friends - at her step-dad Lou King’s “Mr. Donut” shop. While her work ethic was ridiculously admirable, she also found time to travel the world – from the beaches of Greece to The Running of the Bulls in Spain, Colorado mountain tops to the music scenes of Nashville and New Orleans. And let’s not forget the Iowa State Fair (if you know, you know) and Wrigley Field, home of her beloved Chicago Cubs.

Nikki packed up her life at age 24 and headed cross-country to Tucson, Arizona, in June 2000. There, she enjoyed a 20-year career with Lennar Homes and spent time with her loved and loving Tucson (Brammer) family. Little did she know then that Tucson would become her permanent home. In 2005, she met the love of her life, Robert Cantalicio. The two extended their family to five over the years, welcoming twins Caitlin and Jacob that same year and then blessed with daughter Aubrey in 2009. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children and loving her husband in a way that showed no bounds. The family loved being active, spending countless hours enjoying nature, and creating lifetime memories with their camping adventures and more.

Nikki was a hardworking, smart, fun, and dedicated mom, daughter, wife, and friend. Her childhood friends were her chosen family, and they so beautifully supported her—as she did them. Her friends, through work and play in Arizona, including the kids’ ball teams, became her extended Arizona family. There were no limits to her love, and her legacy of assurance, boldness, courage, and compassion will continue to live on through the lives she touched. Nikki walked the world with the confidence that all should possess.

Nikki is survived by her husband, Rob, and their children Jacob, Caitlin, and Aubrey; her parents, MaryAnn and Jeff (Jill); her brother Greg (Jill) and sister, Amy (Kevin); as well as many chosen and biological family members who deeply loved her and whom she deeply loved. To say she will be missed is an understatement beyond comprehension, as the world was a better place with her in it. Our hearts are broken, yet we are comforted to know she is no longer suffering and is with many loved ones. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing her love will live forever.

Plans are underway in both Tucson and Des Moines to celebrate Nikki's extraordinary life. Friends and family are invited to gather, honor Nikki's memory, and share stories of her remarkable life—more details to follow. Even at the end, Nik made us all laugh with her quick wit and sarcastic humor. In place of flowers, donations may be made to the family’s GoFundMe - https://gofund.me/ea65d52d , helping to ensure her children continue to advance their education and experience the adventures of life their mother so profoundly cherished.