Nikki L. Groff, 69, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Upstate University Hospital surrounded by her loving family after a ten month battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.

Our Lord began Nikki’s journey on August 11, 1956 in Watertown, a daughter to Lawrence A. Lasell and Grace A. (Harvey) Lasell. She graduated with honors from South Jefferson Central School in 1974. She continued her education at Jefferson Community College (JCC) graduating with an Associates Degree in 1976. She worked as a medical secretary at a local doctor’s office, returning to JCC in the fall of 1978 graduating with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Nursing in 1980. Despite having an intense passion and talent for art and a strong desire to be an art teacher, her love of caring and nurturing in the nursing field superseded the other career path.

She loved the lake and owned a convenience store in Sandy Pond, living near the water for a few years. She met the brown, curly haired, blue-eyed, Gary G. Groff (on one of the nights she wasn’t working) at the Mannsville Fire Hall where they had a live band. They married June 15, 1985 and bought a home in Pierrepont Manor directly next door to where she grew up. Nikki continued to pursue her nursing career working as a dedicated professional, registered (critical care) nurse at Samaritan Medical Center until her retirement in early 2002. During those years she worked many different shifts while raising her two children who wondered if super mom actually ever slept.

Nikki was an avid reader and enjoyed the fine arts: painting, drawing, music, theater, singing, dancing and playing her piano. She shared her beautiful singing voice in high school theatre productions, weddings, and church events. She taught piano lessons and filled in as the organist at times for the Mannsville United Methodist Church and pursued lay speaking at the Adams United Methodist Church, where she was a member. She loved spending time on the lake with her family at their campsite at Brennan Beach, gardening, baking, cooking and later on in life going for rides on the family side by side to Tug Hill. She loved cuddling her grandchildren and her dogs, Maggie Mae and Willow Belle. Her grandchildren were her greatest blessings besides her own children. She would love to spend time with them and teach them everything she possibly could, encouraging their absolute best in all that they do. Nikki never wanted her children, nieces or grandchildren to be too serious, however, as there was always a time for fun whether it be joking around in conversations, playing dress-up, going for a dip in the hot tub, playing the piano, singing, or having random “sword fights” with dusting wands.

She looked forward to the camaraderie of family and friends in her home, especially during the holidays. The louder the better. It wasn’t uncommon for her to put together a pot of spaghetti and meatballs or whip up homemade pizzas that would feed an army. She’d even plan an entire cookie decorating event for the kids complete with chef hats, aprons, and every color frosting and sprinkle imaginable.

Nikki loved fiercely. Her faithfulness, dedication, love, generosity, and grace guided her and helped build the trust of others she cared for throughout her personal and professional life. After retirement, she strived to help family, friends, and even those she didn’t know who were battling medical issues utilizing her vast knowledge from her nursing career. She had a strong, deeply-rooted faith and thrived through adversity. Just as David said in Psalm 52:8 - “But I am like an Olive tree, flourishing in the house of God. I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.”

Nikki is survived by her loving husband, Gary G. Groff, Pierrepont Manor; her mother, Grace A. (Harvey) Lasell, also of Pierrepont Manor; a son, Joshua (Darcie) Groff; a daughter, Vanessa (David) Zangari, both of Mannsville; four grandchildren (Emily, Thomas, Aubrie & Gracie), three great grandchildren (Jaxon, Elaina, & Maverick); two sisters, Lori (Charles) Cean, Pierrepont Manor; Cynthia (Brett) Wood, Sandy Pond and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, Lawrence A. Lasell along with her father and mother-in-law, Richard L. Groff and June B. Groff.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, NY, Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY, and Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, NY.

A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Maplewood Cemetery, Mannsville. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Adams Country Club located at 10700 US-11, Adams, NY 13605 on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 beginning at 12:00 PM.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions in Nikki’s memory consider donating to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation to assist in making advancements in research, and support ongoing advocacy and awareness efforts for this devastating disease. Please be sure to honor her memory by mentioning her name (Nikki Groff).

Donate by Mail: The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510Herriman, Utah 84096, or by phone at (888) 936-6731 and speak with Laurie Kikel, or online https://give.cholangiocarcinoma.org/fundraiser/6697934.

Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY.

Condolences and memories may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com