Nicolette “Nikki” M. Wielgos

Nicolette “Nikki”Marie (Bokich) Wielgos came to rest on September 22, 2024. She was born on March 18, 1958, in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Nick Bokich and wife Carol. She shared a happy childhood with her sister Michelle (Bokich) Bigger and her late brother Mark. She found a lifelong soulmate in Scott Wielgos and they married on June 13, 1980. To that union were born three children, Melissa (Wielgos) Frieden, Rachel (Wielgos) Kennedy and son Cory Wielgos. Her family life was enriched by the arrival of grandchildren and loving connections to her extended and extensive family. Upon graduation from Highland High School she attended Purdue Calumet. She then trained at Gary National Bank and began as a teller at Lowell National bank in 1978. She worked in that capacity for a decade. Then came a career turning point when she was recruited into VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America), the domestic version of the Peace Corp focusing on disadvantaged populations. In that capacity she became affiliated with the Crisis Center. The agency functioned to assist youth and families with an emphasis on sheltering youngsters and aiding them through troubled circumstances. Nikki proved an asset to the organization and after her service she was hired as its Safe Place Coordinator. Her dedication and diligence were soon recognized in this capacity and, consequently, she was invited to assist the program first on the state level and later, on a National Committee basis. At the Crisis Center her foresight and organizing efforts were tapped and her role expanded to include event planning. She continued with the organization for twenty years. Following this sojourn, she moved to Campagna Academy as the Sr. Dir. Of Development and Public Relations. She then returned to the Crisis Center as its Executive Director. She served in this capacity until illness prompted her retirement. Despite her health concerns she volunteered for the Crisis Center, assisting with its fundraising efforts. Nikki’s life was noteworthy for bearing a sense of purpose, of being responsive to those around her, doing the right thing, the considerate act, offering empathy and compassion as a confidant and warmth, humor and insight to friends and family. Nikki’s actions made it clear that what mattered to you, mattered to her. People, however she encountered them through school, softball, neighbors, colleagues, committee members she gathered to her as friends. Nikki was perceptive in her relationships, honest, caring and adventurous in spirit. Hers was a well lived life. Numerous close acquaintances, friends, and extended family will recollect and relish those times shared with her. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Scott whose love, loyalty and affection only grew stronger over time. Two daughters Melissa Joyce (Wielgos) Frieden, husband Matt; as well as Rachel Nicole (Wielgos) Kennedy, partner, Ryan Olejnik; and son, Cory Scott Wielgos who benefitted from her motherlove; grandchildren, Sophia Frieden, Amiah Alexanderson, Armani Alexanderson, Cynthia Alexanderson, Ashlyn Westfall, Nickolas Frieden, Kai Kennedy, Dominick Wielgos, Addison Frieden, Caleb Olejnik, Keen Kennedy, Brynn Olejnik, Kaesen Kennedy and Riley Jo Wielgos on whom she doted. A sister, Michelle, husband Jim Bigger, sons Jonathon and Jesse who held her dear and her mother Carol Bokich who loved her with all her heart. She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Nick Bokich and her brother Mark Bokich, wife, Tonya and son Nicholas who regarded her with great affection.

Friends may visit the family during her Celebration of Life at the Lowell VFW on October 12, 2024 from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm.

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