Nikki Polec

It is with profound sadness and heartfelt respect that we announce the passing of Nicole Polec, affectionately known as Nikki, who departed this world on March 1, 2026, at the age of 39. Born on December 17, 1986, in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nikki was a beacon of warmth and kindness, touching the lives of everyone she met.

Nikki faced her final challenge with the same courage and dignity that characterized her entire life, after a tenacious battle with bile duct cancer. Her strength and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew her, and she left this world surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Nikki is survived by her parents, Thaddeus and Beverly (Rajkowski) Polec; as well as her dear sisters, Christina James (Frank) and Tara Anderson (Chris); and several nieces and nephews. Her memory will be lovingly carried forward by her lifelong partner, Andrew McCullough; and her treasured stepdaughter, Abby McCullough, who were the center of her world.

Nikki's professional life included a rewarding year in customer service at Whole Foods Market, where her genuine warmth and innate ability to make others feel valued shone brightly. Her colleagues and customers alike remember her as someone who was always there with a helping hand and a kind word.

Outside of work, Nikki found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time with her family, creating lasting memories at the beach, where the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun brought her solace. Her artistic spirit was expressed through her passion for arts and crafts, a hobby she enjoyed sharing with those she loved.

Known for her generous spirit and empathetic nature, Nikki had an uncanny ability to make anyone she met feel at ease. Her home was a haven of laughter and love, where friends and family gathered to enjoy her company and the warmth she radiated.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate team at Christiana Hospital, particularly their hospice unit, for the exceptional care and support they provided to Nikki in her final days. Their dedication and kindness will forever be appreciated.

As we celebrate Nikki's life, we remember her not only for the love she gave so freely but also for the love she inspired in others. Her legacy is one of kindness, bravery, and an enduring sense of togetherness.

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Guests are encouraged to wear teal colored clothing in Nikki’s memory. A private celebration of Nikki's life will be held with her closest family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Nikki's memory to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in the lasting impact Nikki made in her brief time with us, and we are eternally grateful for the moments we shared. May her gentle soul rest in peace, and may she be forever remembered and cherished.

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