Nicole Michele Augustine

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nicole Michele Augustine of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, on June 21st 2024 at the age of 44 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Nicole was born in Altoona on August 15th 1979 to the late Ronald Augustine and Rebecca (McDowell) Heisler.  She was raised in Hollidaysburg by her mother and her husband Alan, and spent time with her father and his wife, Elaine, in Greenwood.

Nicole is survived by Melissa Maxwell with whom she had a loving and devoted relationship for 21 years, her brother Derek Heisler and his wife Rachel, brother Anthony Augustine and his fiancée Kayla Frye, nephew Brayden and niece Harper, aunt Vicky McDowell, with whom she had a special bond, many cousins, extended family, close friends and coworkers who all held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Arlene McDowell, and Marjorie Augustine.

Nicole attended Hollidaysburg Area High School where she graduated in 1997.  Following high school, she attended Juniata College and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Negotiation Studies.  She began her career at Mifflin County Savings Bank where she advanced to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  She took great pride in her career.

Nicole was a true example of a free spirit.  Her life will be remembered as one filled with laughter, kindness, creativity, gratitude and unwavering strength.

She loved deeply and accepted everybody, was strong in her belief that there is joy to be found even in hard times, and that love, peace and kindness are all that matters.

Nicole was often shy, but people were drawn to her and immediately felt a connection.  She was a kindred spirit and always made people feel comfortable.  Her laughter was infectious, and her smile was like sunshine.  Both will be deeply missed by everybody who loved her.

Nicole’s life was filled with music. She enjoyed going to shows with her friends and family and loved the bond and sense of community that was created through music, laughter and shared experience of watching her favorite bands play.  The music of the Grateful Dead touched her profoundly and was always playing in the background of her life.  She also enjoyed the music of Jimmy Buffett and the carefree feeling it created.  No doubt she found Jerry and Jimmy in heaven and will listen to the music play there for eternity.

Nicole had a gentle spirit and compassion for all creatures and felt that even the smallest should be protected.  She had a reunion at the rainbow bridge with her dogs Lola, Harbour and Shona and her cats, Ripple Sunshine Daydream, Stella Blue and Bama Breeze.  The love she had for her dog Aiko and cat Cassidy, who remain earth-side, will continue until she can meet them at the bridge someday.

Nicole was drawn to the outdoors and loved spending time wandering in nature in her bare feet. She would often drag Melissa into the woods to camp, find waterfalls and take walks through the trees.  She would spend hours taking beautiful pictures of trees, water and rocks and was a talented amateur photographer.  She recently became an avid backyard bird watcher and was excited to see the tree swallows return to their nest in the backyard each year. She loved gardening and took great pride in her summer garden and growing flowers to attract birds and butterflies.  She enjoyed trips to the greenhouse where she would look for unique things to grow.

Nicole had a deep love for her brothers and a bond that broke through the differences in the ages between them. She had a tremendous amount of pride in the fact that they both grew up to be good men and she cherished every moment she spent with them. Nicole loved creating memories and sharing laughter with them both.

To honor the way that Nicole lived her life and to carry on her legacy, all who know and love her should live with a sense of joy and wonder. Make the best of each day, face life's challenges head on, treat others with kindness, and always find a way to “smile, smile, smile”.

The family will receive friends at Blairmont Club in Holidaysburg, on Sunday June 30th2024 from 2:00p to 4:00pm.

Nicole wished for a celebration of life with music, food and laughter. This gathering of friends and family is being planned and will be announced soon.

Nicole asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Rescue Our Furry Friends where she served as Treasurer for several years.  The address is: P.O. Box 6, Lewistown, PA 17044.

“Fare you well, fare you well. I loved you more than words can tell.  Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul.”-Grateful Dead

Arrangements are under the care of Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com

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