Nickie, Portland Oregon, formerly of Chillicothe, Illinois passed away unexpectedly in Borrego Springs, California on Saturday, December 7, 2024. She was 85.

Born in Chillicothe, Illinois on May 9th, 1939, to Joseph and Jennie (Yanello) Augustine, she was the fourth of eight children. Preceding her in death are two brothers, Jerome Augustine and Phil Augustine and one sister Louise Augustine. She is survived by sisters Mary Jo Augustine of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Janet Augustine of Sarasota, Florida and Bernie Godwin of Siesta Key, Florida and one brother Jim Augustine of Chillicothe, Il.

Nickie graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1957 where she was the homecoming queen of her class. In July of that same year, she married C. Richard “Dick” Smith in Chillicothe where they raised their 7 children. They are Tracy (Jeff) Maddock of Pasadena, Maryland, Cory (Lisa) Smith of Naperville, Illinois, Chris (Kerry) Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, Monica (Paul) Loubet of Costa Mesa, California and Andy (Diane) Smith of Sumter, South Carolina. Preceding her in death are two sons, Gregory Smith in 1985 and Matthew Smith in 2008. She has 21 grandchildren and 3 1/2 great grandchildren. Also surviving is her longtime partner, Tom Beck.

Nickie went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Bradley University in 1983. As a nurse she worked in Illinois, Oregon, California, Alaska and also did volunteer work in Oaxaca, Mexico with Doctors Without Borders.

Nickie and Tom enjoyed traveling the world, but loved most to visit their grandchildren all across the country.  They spent most of their time outdoors when at home in Forrest Grove, Oregon or Borrego Springs, California., their winter escape.  She loved plants and was a Master Gardner.  Tom and Nickie’s ½ acre vegetable garden overflowed with vegetables, of which most were donated to the local food depository.  She loved biking, bicycle trips and participated in the Cycle Oregon Rally 3 times. She also loved sewing, cooking and hunting for a good bargain.  Her holiday Italian cookies, homemade brittle, jam and sourdough bread were enjoyed by the family in all parts of the country. The calendars she so lovingly prepared for over 20 years have been greatly enjoyed by the family, both young and old. There are many things that will be missed; her strong ties to her Italian heritage, preserving and sharing the family stories, photos and movies, her genuinely engaging smile and her infectious and boisterous laugh.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Edwards Church in Chillicothe, Illinois. Date and time will be May 10th, 2025 at 11:00 am. Immediately following the service, a luncheon at the school.