Obituary of Nicole A. Born

NICOLE ANE BORN October 7, 1974 – January 4, 2015 Nicole Ane Born, age 40, from Voorhees, NJ, passed away suddenly due to complications from the flu and pneumonia on January 4, 2015. Nicole was born on October 7, 1974 in Stratford, NJ and grew up in Berlin, NJ. She attended Eastern High School, Voorhees, NJ where she was an outstanding athlete receiving numerous awards for excellence in softball and basketball. Nicole received a full athletic scholarship to Monmouth College before a knee injury ended her promising athletic career. For the past 20 years Nicole shared her life with her devoted husband Ken Wakeley and their two precious children, Samantha, age 7 and Dylan, age 3. Nicole was a devoted, loyal and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and friend. Nicole loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing on the beach with her Dad, Mom and her kids. At the tender age of 13 she was recognized as the women’s national distance casting champion. The Delaware Newspaper headlines read, “13 year old, 99 pound, 4 foot 11 inch girl sets national record for a casting distance of 506 feet 4 inches.” Other fishing accomplishments include awards for most fish and largest fish caught during numerous ASAC sanctioned tournaments. One of her greatest passions was fishing early mornings and evenings plugging for striped bass with her Dad. Nicole had an enormous love for animals enjoying quality time with her dogs. Her passion for animals was unparalleled by her need to see that all strays that she came across were sheltered, fed and if needed received veterinary care. Nicole had a kind heart and a beautiful smile that graced everyone she met. Nicole is survived by her Grandmother, Doris Beebe, her Father and Mother, Gary and Cheryl Born (Giffin) and her husband Ken Wakeley and two lovely children, Samantha and Dylan. Nicole is also survived by her sister, Lisa Strassler (Ian) and her nephew Alex and niece Rachael and her aunts and uncles, Joan Marella, Bert Beebe, Judy and Tommy Cramer and cousins, Dawn, Pam and Salena. She is also survived by her extended family, Barbara Wakeley, John Wakeley, Drew and Elaine (Wakeley) Ciapetta, John and Jeanne (Wakeley) Markelwith and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held at the Knight Funeral Home located at 14 Rich Avenue, in Berlin NJ on Saturday January 10, 2015 from 10:00am till 11:30am. Memorial Service at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Animal Welfare Association located at 509 Centennial Boulevard in Voorhees NJ.