Obituary of Nicolle Geiling

Nicolle Geiling (Nicki) of Fairfield, CT departed this world on the evening of Wednesday, January 13, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Nicolle is the loving daughter of Carole Maravich, the proud sister of Craig Maravich, and the wonderful niece of Joyce Scursatone. She was born in New York Hospital in Manhattan, NY on August 21, 1977. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Ann and Nick Maravich, and her loving uncle, Clyde "Victor" Scursatone. Nicolle brought joy to everyone she had the pleasure of meeting. She was the life of the party, always singing and dancing. Each time she entered a room with her infectious laughter, sense of humor, and smile, she ignited a spark in people. Nicolle embodied acceptance and forever rooted for the underdog while never passing judgment. She truly made the world a better place. Nicolle was a lover of the arts with a particular passion for theatre and Broadway. She was in the audience of countless Broadway shows and concerts. There wasn't a word in any song or show that she didn't know! New York City was her favorite haunt. She could always be found kneeling at the foot of the Pieta in St. Patrick's Cathedral. She and her dearest friend and love of her life, Josh O'Neil were regulars at local movie theaters and restaurants. They attended many plays, dances at Chapel Haven, and black tie events together. Nicolle was a natural performer with the ability to memorize and wow any crowd. She performed a one-woman show that told of her life and views on self-advocacy and acceptance of all people. She cherished moments dancing and singing with her family and loved exercising and working out. She could be seen taking her brisk walks while listening to her favorite music. Nicki loved people and making friends. Nicolle graduated from Fairfield High School in 1997. Following graduation she spent a year of post-secondary education at The Riverview School in East Sandwich, Cape Cod, Mass. Upon her return to Fairfield, she was hired at The GAP in Fairfield where she was an employee for 19 years. She took classes at Housatonic College earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Gateway Community College. She worked for 10 years at Borders Books in Fairfield in the children's department and presented a weekly story hour for young children. She also volunteered at the Fairfield Library weekly. With a heart that brimmed with kindness and empathy, Nicolle embraced advocacy work. She was a key voice on the board of the CT Self Advocacy Task Force in Hartford. She was the national representative and Poster Child for the National Down Syndrome Society and helped to lobby and educate those in Washington D.C. to support the Work Incentives Improvement Act. Her trip to Capitol Hill and personal appointments with our state senators and congressmen there along with Senator Ted Kennedy were sources of pride for Nicolle. She was responsible for encouraging Senator Lieberman to sign the Work Incentives Improvement Act Bill! Nicolle was honored on a national level for her civic engagement. She was the guest speaker and honored at the NDSS Women's Luncheon in NYC along with two other honorees, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Anna Quinlan. Nicolle also had other public speaking engagements to share her beliefs in Self Advocacy and acceptance of all peoples. Nicolle had an unwavering commitment to her Serbian Orthodox faith. She proudly and lovingly attended St. Dimitri Church in Easton, CT and was a lifelong member of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, PA. Nicolle's family and especially Nicolle herself would like to thank the caregivers: Lily, Virginia, Joana, Dionne, and Susi, who were Nicki's friends and unselfishly traveled this journey with her. Nicolle is survived by her mother and proud guardian Carole Maravich; brother, Craig Maravich; aunt, Joyce Scursatone (Tete); sister- in- law, Sarah; and niece, Imogen Maravich; father, J. Douglass Geiling, and her long-time love, Josh O'Neill. Visitation will be held at the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center on Sunday, January 17, 2021 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. A special private prayer service will be delivered by Father George Coca before the public viewing. Funeral and burial will take place at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, Aliquippa, PA on Friday, January 22, 2021 – at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nicolle's memory to: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, PA, and St. Dimitri Orthodox Church in Easton, CT. For travel directions or to sign her guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com