Obituary of Nikki Lanza O'Malley

Nikki Lanza O'Malley, age 70, passed away on October 13, 2023, following a nine-year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She was surrounded by her husband and children at her home in Oak Hill, Va.

Born in 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio, Nikki was the eldest of three children to the late Nick and Louise Lanza. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Maryland in 1975, and post-graduate studies at The George Washington University, New York University, and the Department of Agriculture Graduate School.

Nikki worked as a professional writer and researcher for the Smithsonian Institution, contributing to the publication of the Handbook of North American Indians; worked as a technical writer for ICL; and served as a technical writer and editor at the United States Secret Service. Despite putting a regimented career on hold to serve as a cheerleader, room mom, chauffeur, chef, and jane-of-all-trades to support her husband and children, Nikki was steadfast in her desire to continue contributing to her community and the greater good. She served on the Vestry at St.Timothy’s Episcopal Church; volunteered weekly with the church office for over a decade; volunteered for various non-denominational organizations serving underprivileged or vulnerable members of the community; worked as the Registrar for the District of Columbia Academy of Veterinary Medicine (DCAVM), receiving a “Special Recognition Award” in June 2018 for her 16 years of service; and was a loyal friend known to bring humor to any situation with her “Nikkisms.”

Nikki is survived by her husband of 39 years, Charles; her son, K.C., his wife Molly, and her grandson James, of Fort Belvoir, Va.; and her daughter Charlotte, of Chicago, Il. She is also survived by her sister Lorraine, of Westerly, R.I., and nephew Scott; her sister Karen, of Germania, N.J., and her husband Skip, niece Julianna, and nephew Vincent; and her sister-in-law Dolores, of Philadelphia, Pa. She was predeceased by her parents, Nick and Louise, of Northfield, N.J.; her parents-in-law, James and Eleanor, of Philadelphia, Pa.; her brother-in-law, Jimmy, and his wife Linda, of Philadelphia, Pa.; her brother-in-law, John, of Philadelphia Pa.; and her nephew, Adam, of Westerly, R.I.

Nikki absolutely did “not go gentle into that good night,” and fought against the adversity served to her by chance with dignity and dedication. Her will to fight provided her family precious time they will always treasure, and set an example that they will always admire.

A memorial gathering (10 A.M.) and memorial service (11 A.M.) will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, located at 432 Van Buren St, Herndon, Va. Anyone unable to attend in-person can view the service on Zoom by copying and pasting the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85262792100?pwd=NTJJNGY4UTlYMkhqZWFITWUyWmFsQT09 (Password: 245517)

In lieu of flowers, a tribute gift donation can be made in Nikki’s honor through https://www.psp.org/, or a check can be mailed to CurePSP at 325 Hudson St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013. You can contact CurePSP at (347) 326-1689 with any questions regarding online donations.