Nicole Dawn Brown, "Nicky", 38, of Waltham, Massachusetts, passed away on December 3, 2025. Born and raised in Waltham, Nicky was a free spirit whose presence brought light, laughter, and love to everyone around her.
From the time she was young, Nicky had a heart that opened wide to anyone or anything in need. She was forever bringing home stray pets and lost friends, offering them the same warmth and acceptance she gave so freely throughout her life. She was beautiful inside and out, with a hopeful spirit and a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor that could make anyone smile. Her kindness was instinctive, her generosity effortless, and her love for people genuine and deep.
Nicky was most at peace by the water, spending time with her mom and friends, or curled up with a good book — always preferring pages to screens. She loved riding bikes through Boston, especially around Castle Island, where the breeze and the ocean seemed to match her free-spirited nature. Music and dancing were in her blood, a gift she carried from her grandmother, and she embraced both with joy.
As a mother, Nicky adored her two children, Tyler Matthew and Jessie Ann, who were the apples of her eye. She watched The Land Before Time on repeat with Tyler when he was little, and she made sure Jessie Ann had a unicorn made for her at birth — a perfect symbol of the magic and whimsy she loved. To her mother, Kimberly Brown, she was affectionately known as “Princess,” a nickname that captured the tenderness and pride she inspired. She shared a special bond with her brother, Jessie Brown, who survives her.
Nicky spent most of her career as a short-order cook, finding joy in the fast pace and familiar faces of the local pizza spots where she worked. She also leaves behind countless family members and friends who loved and adored her free spirit, each carrying their own memories of her laughter, her loyalty, and her fierce love.
Life was not always easy for Nicky. She faced mental health challenges and alcohol addiction — illnesses that were never her fault and that weighed heavily on her despite the love that surrounded her. Yet she never stopped trying, rebuilding, and reaching for hope. Her resilience was quiet but fierce.
She found comfort in simple joys, like rewatching childhood movies — Homeward Bound being another favorite — and holding close the memories of those she loved. Nicky is preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Philomena Lucy Brown, who no doubt welcomes her with both sorrow and joy.
A celebration of Nicky’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory, her laughter, and her enduring spirit.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Community Day Center of Waltham. Contributions may be made at: https://www.communitydaycenter.org/donate-1