Nicole Marie Sowers (formerly Montalbano) passed away at home on January 5th, 2024. She was supposedly 42 years old, but analyses of her heart and her soul revealed evidence stating they each were "young" and "timeless" respectively.  She mostly grew up in Murfreesboro, TN but also claimed her birth state of Louisiana as her home. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and briefly worked in banking. Soon to follow her passion for food and adventure she braved a wholly foreign city of Chicago to become a chef. She did not like the cold. Next, Walt Disney World's culinary program offered her the tantalizing opportunity to trade in bone-chilling winds for palm trees and a handful of tropical storms. This, dear reader, is where Nicole built her family.

Early into her career in the culinary arts, Nicole was convinced that she needed a battle scar, once nearly removing a finger. It wasn't an intentional act, but it was an illustrative one. Nicole had earned the obligatory deep kitchen-wound, an initiation into chef-dom. It wasn't that her injury didn't shake her– it did. There was fear and self-doubt as she quite literally tended to her wounds. It was Nicole's commitment and determination in the face of fear that won the day, and she kept cooking. This resolve and courage served her life's journey well. Nicole was so strong, so brave. Her spirit and faith carried her through the darkest of the dark times, never ever surrendering hope, no matter the circumstances.

Nicole had a natural gift for empathy and compassion. Her infectious warmth made quick friends of many of us, even those of us who are pretty dang introverted and self-contained. (for clear examples, please see "The Courting of Nicole by Matthew Sowers" printed elsewhere). Coupling her kindness with a dry wit and an often understated penchant for deadpan humor, which resulted in a human that we love profoundly. Nicole's Nicole-ness was most apparent with her daughter. Motherhood was Nicole's calling, and watching her and Nora banter was magic. Nora is her mother's daughter. Chat her up, I promise, there's Nicole present in her words, and how she spins them. This among, many other things, is amazing to see and know that Nicole is still with us in the ways that matter most.

From the kitchens of Citricos and Victoria & Albert's to behind the scenes at Food & Wine, many deep and meaningful relationships were born. The guy she really liked at V&A became her husband and the father of her child. Then a gal who her roommate introduced her to while getting drinks after a long shift one random night became her best friend, her soulmate. And to be fair, there are so many people — her people, that meant the world to her. Nicole's family is huge. Nicole was loved by all who had the pleasure to know her.

Close by at her passing was her loving husband, Matthew, her parents David and Julie, Aunt Melanie and Uncle Jerry, her brother and sister-in-law Jeff and Lisa, and her best friend Allison. Also bereaved afar include Nicole's siblings Jennifer and Dominic.

In the days that followed, so many people that Nicole loved and who loved her in return have reached out, and her family holds their love with deep gratitude. Nicole's family would also share thanks to the Real Life Church in Clermont, Florida for their consistent fellowship and support. To share one of her favorite verses:

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91.

Please join us in celebrating Nicole's life. Take a moment and think about your Nicole-based experiences. And if you're feeling extra gossipy, please share your best, funniest, or most (moderately) embarrassing story about Nicole below in the guestbook.

A celebration of life will be held at Real Life Church on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 11am. The ever-fashionable Nora Sowers has requested that those who are inclined please, Gentlemen to wear Bow Ties while Ladies to wear fancy dresses with heels and a pretty headband to honor this celebration of her Mother.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to:

For Nora

VENMO @Nicole-Sowers-6
Mainstreet Community Bank 15115 E Hwy 50 Clermont Fl 34711 Attn. Cindy DeJesus