Nikki Lanza O'Malley had a diligent and methodical mind, keeping tabs of everyone who mattered to her — most importantly her family. Nicknamed the “Queen of Questions” by her family, Nikki was an avid researcher who majored in sociology at the University of Maryland and studied post-graduate at The George Washington University, New York University and the Department of Agriculture Graduate School. Born in 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio, Nikki was the eldest of three children to the late Nick and Louise Lanza. She worked as a professional writer and researcher for the Smithsonian Institution, contributing to the publication of the Handbook of North American Indians; worked as a technical writer for ICL; and served as a technical writer and editor at the United States Secret Service.

Despite putting a regimented career on hold to serve as a chauffeur, chef, cheerleader, room mom, and jane-of-all-trades to support her husband and children, Nikki was steadfast in her desire to continue contributing to her community and the greater good. She served on the Vestry at St.Timothy’s Episcopal Church; volunteered weekly with the church office for over a decade; volunteered for various non-denominational organizations serving underprivileged or vulnerable members of the community; worked as the Registrar for the District of Columbia Academy of Veterinary Medicine (DCAVM), receiving a “Special Recognition Award” in June 2018 for her 16 years of service; and was a loyal friend known to bring humor to any situation with her “Nikkisms.”

Nikki was truly selfless. She would go out of her way to help anywhere needed. On several years she delivered turkey and all the “fix’ins,” to the needy in our area on behalf of Saint Timothy’s, and donated and delivered Christmas presents. She wanted to help anyone, even those who she did not know in any way she could, and she continued this even after her life when she made the decision to donate her brain for research in the hope that it could help other people affected by this devastating disease and possibly identify treatments or a cure for PSP in the future. Her Nikkisms could be found in most things that she touched. She would seek out opportunities to donate blood whenever the opportunity arose, and would always make a cheeky comment to the technicians when asked for her blood type, saying that she was “A plus,” just to see if she could get a laugh out of them.

Nikki was chatty and loved to spend time around others, considered a “steel trap” with information regarding those closest to her. She had an extensive calendar noting anything significant (and minute!) in the life of the people that she loved, which her family still uses as a reminder of her thoughtfulness.

As of Nov. 10, Nikki and her husband Charles would have been married for 39 years. When he proposed to her, he asked her, “how do you feel about names with apostrophes in them?” Lucky for him, that wasn’t a dealbreaker, but they did have a debate over whose surname was the most common. Not long after that, they checked into a hotel. The first thing she did was go to the nightstand and get the white pages out. Of course, there were more O’Malley’s than Lanzas. Every time they went out of town after that she made a practice of doing this, was always right and always ribbed Charles about it.

Nikki handled her PSP diagnosis with grace and resilience, never once complaining about her situation. Throughout her life she relished supporting those around her, and after her diagnosis, wondered how she could help create a brighter future for others like her. Nikki’s decision to donate her brain posthumously for research was made with the hope of helping to find a cure for this devastating disease.

Her will to fight provided her family precious time they will always treasure, and set an example that they will always admire. They will always remember Nikki through the countless sweet stories that they share and her unwavering positive attitude.