Nikki Arianne Tomkins
September 12, 1985 – May 6, 2025
With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Nikki Arianne Tomkins of Sherwood Park, Alberta, who left us far too soon on May 6, 2025, at the age of 39.
Nikki was a devoted mother, beloved daughter, cherished sister, and loyal friend. Her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments were her two children, Meike (10) and Theo (12), whom she loved fiercely and wholeheartedly. As a single mother, Nikki dedicated her life to raising them with strength, compassion, and unwavering love.
Born on September 12, 1985, Nikki brought joy and vibrance to every life she touched. She attended NAIT, earning a Marketing Diploma through determination and hard work. That dedication followed her through life, where she used her creativity and talent to succeed in several professional roles. She was admired not only for her work ethic but for her warmth, humor, and the light she brought to every room.
Nikki had a special connection with animals—every pet seemed to find solace in her presence. That same magic extended to people. With countless friends and a deeply close-knit family, Nikki’s circle of love was wide and full. She made others feel seen, heard, and valued.
She is survived by her children Meike and Theo, and their father Matt Ganton; her parents Marge Tomkins (Fred) and Mark Debolt (Ruby); her siblings Mitch, Russ (Karen), Dan, and Jenn (Scott); her nieces and nephews Lizzie, Ashley, Nels, Callum, and Alex; and her beloved sister/cousin Mari and niece Jolene. She leaves behind a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and a community of friends who are heartbroken at her loss.
Nikki is predeceased by her father Rolf Tomkins, sister-in-law Jill Tomkins, cousins Jonni and Nick Zielke, cousin Fredrick Begory, and grandparents Rosalie Debolt, Marguerite and William Tomkins, and Afke and Peter Castaing (Oma and Opa).
Nikki lived with courage, humor, and fire. She faced life’s challenges with grace and resilience, never letting them define her. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, strength, and a fierce devotion to family.
A private viewing and cremation will be held for family and close friends on Thursday, May 14 at Simply Cremations at 10:00 am. A celebration of Nikki’s life will be held at a later date, TBA
She will be forever missed, always remembered, and deeply loved.
Nikki was fearless
She was so fierce, genuine and so kind.
And she was absolutely hilarious.
She lived out loud…radiating joy, love, and authenticity everywhere she went. In life and in love, she was a warrior and a comfort. She didn’t just walk into a room…she brightened it and made everyone feel warmer.
She had this magical way of loving people… really, truly loving them. From her kids, who were her absolute world…to her family who meant everything to her…to her friends who she loved unconditionally… and even to a stranger who just needed a smile, hug or a kind word…she saw people…and she showed up for them over and over.
…when she became a mom, that love became something even greater. She was a natural protector of peace. A nurturer. A powerhouse. Our beautiful Dutch Momma Bear. She loves her children forever…with a depth, strength and tenderness that could move mountains…turn tides…and outlast time.
You can see her in them so vividly…her strength, her spark, her kindness…her unconditional love, curiosity and wisdom for life. Her legacy lives on in them, Theo & Meike…she is within you both.
She gave the best hugs… like coming home…the truest home I ever felt…a hug that could stop time…and brighten your whole day
She could make you laugh until you couldn’t breathe. She had a knack for turning every moment into a core memory.
Nikki created community wherever she went. From beach days and patio hangs …to front-lawn chats and music nights…she brought people together and made life so fun.
She was the queen of a finding joy. The queen of unforgettable stories. The queen of fiercely loving her kiddos and her family…and the queen of living life authentically and full.
She loved sharing her favourite memories about her people…I loved hearing them….about her amazing kids, her mom, her dad, her loving siblings, Grandpa Fred, and her sweet Mari …who she always said was really her sister and her beautiful niece. Nikki had a wide circle of friends who quickly became chosen kin. So many best friends…and rightfully so. She earned the title from every one of us.
She made everyone feel like they belonged. Like they mattered. Like they were loved.
If you knew Nikki, you were blessed. If you loved her, you were changed forever. And if she loved you…you never doubted it.
We’ll keep her memory alive in every laugh, every dance, every memory filled with her sunshine and connection. She’s not gone…she’s woven into all the lives she touched. Her energy lives in all of us.
I love you, Nikki. Forever and always I will always carry you with me. You are forever missed.
Nikki, you will forever be in are hearts! You were my neighbour, an amazing friend, and like a second mama to my kids. We will do our best to help your family with this difficult loss.
I talked to you the day before about all our summer plans and how we were so excited to watch all the girls play soccer together. I want you to know the girls all rocked their first game with Meike scoring 5 goals! I cheered extra loud for you!
I’ll always remember our first trip to Canmore. Outdoor swimming in the winter, the cold never bother you anyway. Your a winter beauty queen!
My heart and mind hurt for all your family and friends. My deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved you. You have such a beautiful soul. You were a fierce and strong mom, loved music and brought beauty into everything you did.
My family will miss you so much. Everytime the light creates rainbows in the sun catcher, I’ll know your spirit will be checking in and I’ll remember how you always believed in that.
Take care my friend and let your soul rest in peace.
Losing Nikki is a heartbreak that’s felt by all of us. She had a way of making people feel seen, loved and understood. Her laughter, her warmth, her presence… there is just no replacing that. This world feels dimmer without her in it. My heart is with everyone who loved her. We will carry her memory with us always.
A beautiful angel on earth and now in heaven to always be whispering in your ear Marge. My heart is breaking for all of you Mark, the children and friends. Everyone loved her. Nikki came over once wearing odd socks and took them off and forgot them. I wore them back to her house! Every time she would come over she would wear them, leave them, I would wear them back to her house. I have them now forever. They will mean so much to me-these odd tiny socks that we loved and laughed at so much! I will miss you so much Nic! See you in heaven honey.
My deepest condolences to Nikki’s children, mother, siblings and extended family and close friends.
I met Nikki is grade 9 and our friendship grew fast and we became instant best friends. I was new to Sherwood Heights junior high and she was so kind and welcoming. Her friendship played a massive part in my adolescence. Her laugh and humour were infectious and she brought so many smiles and joy to everyone around her.
We later went on to becoming young adults. Spending a lot of nights out on the town on Whyte Ave. And attending small live music concerts with a lot of our friends being members of the bands.
And then we became moms! We couldn’t believe that we would have babies of our own when we felt like it was just yesterday that we ourselves were just young kids.
In 2014 I moved to Victoria Bc and Nikki and I stayed in touch over text and Instagram. Sending funny memes and sharing old Facebook photo memories. Although we weren’t as close as we once were, she was always the kind of friend I could talk to as if no time or distance had passed at all.
We would try to get together when I would visit my family in Edmonton and unfortunately we always said “next time!”
My last conversation with Nikki in January of 2025 talked about how we can’t believe we are turning 40 this September. Our birthdays are one day apart.
I will be celebrating you and your perfect smile forever. I miss you. I love you. BFFs forever! Rest easy my sweet girl.
Love Rachelle
Such a young life gone forever. You will never be forgotten little one. Until we meet again.
Dad
To Marge, Nikki’s precious children and family,
I came to meet Nikki on two separate occasions after the passing of my son Cody..
She showed me such compassion for my loss and I could feel what his loss meant to her. So much so that she asked for some of his ashes which I was honored to give her. Marge has made it possible that they are now together, which I thought was the most beautiful gesture as I know Cody was, among others, there to welcome her home.
My heart is broken from one mother to another.
May the journey for the family be guided by her spirit and know she is with you every step of the way and that one day we will all be reunited with our loved ones.
My deepest condolences to you all.