Nikie Wyn Wishnow

If you knew Nikie, you know she never lived a small life. Every chapter, every friendship, every fleeting moment — she turned it into a story worth retelling. She was a thousand vivid colors in a world that too often settles for gray.

Her life was a string of butterfly effects — each person she met, each place she touched, forever changed. Whether she was in a plane, a boat, a car, or on a bike, she carried that same spark: her choice, her moves, her way.

She gave me her eye — not just to see, but to truly see — to notice the way light hits a glass, the way joy bends the corners of someone’s mouth, the way a whole world can fit into one fleeting moment. Together we explored backyards, identifying plants, bugs, and Luna moths. We learned side by side, camera in hand.

Music was our language. I introduced her to INZO, and “Overthinker” became part of her heartbeat. At her first rave, she was chosen to receive cosmic energy — a perfect match for someone who embodied peace, love, unity, and respect. She was PLUR before she knew the word for it.

Twenty One Pilots’ “Oldies Station” was the first song I heard after she passed. Of course it was. She believes in synchronicity. So do I. She knew it would find me.

She loved Tim Burton more than most people love air. Her Nightmare Before Christmas Mini Cooper is now mine, and I’ll carry her in every mile I drive. And then there was Big Fish. She adored it — and in her final days, she gave us the gift of becoming it. That final scene — where a man is carried to the water, surrounded by everyone whose lives he’s touched — that’s how it felt. That’s how it was. We made it happen for her.

She taught me business, art, grit, and wonder. She loved local artists, small shops, and people with big dreams. She was my first inspiration, my compass, my kaleidoscope.

And now, she’s handed it to me. Today begins the rest of my life, piecing together the mysteries she left me, just as she promised. “You’ll know exactly who I am after I’m gone.”

And I do.

She made me. And I am so, so lucky.

-Lena Rayne

Nikie Wyn Wishnow, 61, passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2025. Anyone who knew Nikie, knows that she lived life to the fullest & with no regrets. She could light up a room with her beautiful smile & ginormous personality! She'd never met a stranger & had a colorful story for any occasion.

Her love for life was equal to the love she had for her children, Drew & Lena Rayne. She was so excited when she found out she was going to be a grandma, although, nobody would've believed she was old enough! Her & Anthony had a special bond from the moment they met.

Family was so important to her & although there were many miles between them, they were still so very close. A text to catch up with her siblings or her Sunday phone calls to her mom, it felt like not a minute had passed since they connected last. The annual family vacations were always a memorable time to reunite & reconnect. Nikie always looked forward to those & was always the designated photographer/videographer! She loved all of her nieces, Kayla, Livi, Emma & Addison & her nephew, Ty. They each have their own special memories with Aunt Nikie. She did not have a chance to meet her great nephew, Maverick, but it would have been love at first sight.

As we all know, she had an obsession with all things Jack Skellington, as well as, Halloween. This was by far her favorite holiday! There was nothing quite like her spectacular display every year. People would come from all over just to experience it! We will also truly miss seeing her incredible costumes!

She had an unbelievable gift for photography, and was never without her camera. She had a passion for movies & music. Her musical tastes spanned the globe, with Rush probably being the clear stand-out.

As many of her friends will attest, her motorcycle was her most precious possession. Such a huge part of her life & the friends that she made came through this love for riding. Nikie would always talk about them as if they were her family.

It would be impossible to list all of the lives that Nikie touched. She was truly a free spirit & brought joy to everyone she met. So many of her relationships have spanned over so many years. Nikie was a true friend for life. If you had the privilege of meeting her, you were certain to never forget her.

We will forever miss this shining light in our lives that was taken entirely too soon. May all of her many memories be for a blessing! As Nikie would say... Enjoy life! This is not a dress rehearsal!