Nicole Oja

She was born on Jan. 2, 1970, in Escanaba, daughter of the late Robert “Bob” and Cynthia (Bray) Ohlson. On Aug. 11, 1990, she married Timothy “Tim” Oja at St. John Neumann Church in Spalding.

Nicole was very proud to have earned her MBA from Troy University while working full time and raising her son, Matthew, who she adored so much. She then worked the majority of her career in banking but took a sidestep later to help support Tim’s career, which involved extensive travel. Most recently she was assisting with the family business.

She greatly loved cooking for her family and friends, and no one would ever go away hungry. Nicole also had a great love of animals, especially her cats: Charlotte, Lucy and Lilly; her dogs: Dixie and Baxter; and her grand dogs: Grizzly and Diesel. She loved dogs so much that she would empty the local shelters if she could have. One of her favorite pasttimes was watching the movie “Ralphy” and would probably hold the record for the number of times watching it. Mostly, Nicole will be remembered as a very loving wife and mother.

Nicole is survived by her loving husband; her son, Matthew Oja; as well as cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Robert “Rob” “Oly” J. Ohlson.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home, W3755 U.S. 2, Spalding, MI 49886.

A funeral to celebrate the life of Nicole Marie Oja will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday with Father Rick Courier officiating. Burial will take place in the Spalding Township Cemetery in the spring.

The Allo Coolman Funeral Home is assisting the Oja family.

Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to her family.