Obituary of Nicole Samara Strauss

Nicole Samara Strauss passed away on December 25, 2021. 

She was born on March 28, 1978 in Denver, Colorado. 

She is survived by her daughter, Grace Rayn, who was the light and love of her life; her mother, Nina Howell; stepmothers Lori (Greg) Buck and Linda (Steve) Strauss; aunt Nancy Polikoff; best friend and soul mate Jon Rea; and, best friend Claire Brewer.  

Nicole was preceded in death by her father Richard Strauss; brother Devon Strauss; grandmothers Jill Strauss and Gladys Polikoff; and, her uncle David Polikoff. 

She attended the Kansas City Art Institute and Goddard College in Vermont where she graduated from with a degree in Liberal Arts. 

Nicole worked as a general manager and then a general managing partner in the restaurant industry for many years.  Her engaging personality, communication skills, and commitment to exceptional service made her a valuable team member to her employers, she was nurturing to her employees who loved and respected her, and a delight to the customers she interacted with. 

Nicole had an incredible love for animals and nature.  Bella, Nicole’s bulldog, was her treasured pet. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ASPCA at secure.aspca.org or Greenpeace at engage.us.greenpeace.org in Nicole’s memory. 

Graveside service will be on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Nebo Memorial Park, 11701 East 13th Avenue, Aurora, Colorado.