Niki Doreen Truesdale

July 9, 1961 — March 17, 2015

Niki Doreen Truesdale, born in Dinuba, Calif., on July 9, 1961, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 9:58 a.m., in Bellingham’s St. Joseph’s Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Niki was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer on Jan. 14. She had gone through 10 doses of targeted radiation to the tumor in her head and she also experienced two administrations of chemotherapy over the two-month-long fight.

Doctors say it is undetermined how long Niki had cancer, but within the last two months it escalated quickly.

Niki was a beloved wife to Gregory Allen Truesdale, an outstandingly loving mother to her three children Jeremy, Jessica, and Sierra, a proud and nurturing grandmother and aunt; a caring sister and daughter, and a very kind and supportive friend to many.

Niki was a strong and devoted family woman, but she also took a lot of pride in her job at Friday Harbor Elementary School, as a para-educator, math specialist, and union leader (which she held since 2001).

Niki may have lost to a sudden battle to cancer, but she is now peacefully resting, finally pain free. Niki may be gone physically, but she is always with us and she will never be forgotten.

At Niki’s request, she will be cremated and set free, and the family will be holding a small, private gathering Sunday afternoon (March 22) with close family relatives and friends. Rest in Peace Niki, you are loved and missed every moment.

— Family of Niki Truesdale