Obituary of Tonya Marie Nicholson

Tonya Marie Nicholson 15, the loving daughter of Dave and Amy and sister to Kyle and Emily chose to be with her Lord on Saturday, December 1, 2007. Tonya was previously a student at Roosevelt and Weber Elementary as well as Northwest Junior High. This year, she was a sophomore attending Iowa City West High School. She wanted to be a pediatrician to be able to afford all of her shoes. Tonya enjoyed all animals, snowboarding, and volunteering at her church, St. Andrew Presbyterian. Tonya’s greatest love was babysitting children of all ages but especially the little ones; she had a gift that made them feel happy and loved. Tonya was a regular caregiver in the nursery at St. Andrew Church and this year was serving as a third grade Sunday school teacher. She had tremendous empathy for those in need, traveling to Haiti as a missionary, and to Mississippi to extend relief following Hurricane Katrina. She was an active Girl Scout for eleven years – earning the Bronze Award. Tonya’s extended family includes her grandparents Herb and Janice Wilson of Iowa City; Elaine Nicholson and special friend Raymond D. Gill of Coralville; Keith Wilson and special friend Sandy Spengler and Keith’s children, Kirby, Chas and Casey of Iowa City; Chas and Phyllis Wilson and their children Jennifer and Danny of Simi Valley, California; Steve and Mirja Wilson and their children Kris and Lara of Pullman, Washington; Canan and Reyes Tapia of North Liberty; Mike Nicholson of Des Moines; and all of her friends from high school and the children Tonya cared for. Tonya was preceded in death by her grandfather Dr. Donald P. Nicholson. Tonya’s infectious smile and her ability to make people laugh will be missed by all her family and numerous friends. Peace be with you now my dear and always. The Celebration of Tonya’s life will be held at 7pm Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City. There will be a period of visitation at the church on Wednesday starting at 3pm until the services begin. She was able to donate her eyes which is a reflection of the caring person Tonya was. In honor of Tonya’s strong love for children, we ask that no flowers be sent. Instead, memorial donations may be made to the Saint Andrew Youth Ministry or The Premie Project at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Tonya’s family and her services.