Service Details
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (6400 Spring Street) with Fr. Domenic J. Roscioli officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 12:00 – 3:00 pm and in the church on Monday from 10-11 am.
Racine – Nicole Iris (nee: Tilidetzke) Fuentes, age 49, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of her family, on Saturday, October 22, 2022 following a 2-year battle with glioblastoma multiforme.
Nicole was born in Racine on July 13, 1973 to Jeffrey and Suzanne (nee: Vavra) Tilidetzke. She was a 1991 Honors graduate of Washington Park High School and went on to graduate cum laude in 1995 from UW-Parkside Spanish major (BA) and geology minor. While in her junior year at Park High, Nicole began dating the love of her life, Gabriel L. Fuentes. They were united in marriage at Holy Name Catholic Church on May 25, 1996.
Passionate for education and children, Nicole has served the past 27 years as a primary teacher at Racine Montessori School, a vocation she truly loved. She was a longtime member of St. Richard’s Catholic Church and, more recently, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Outside of teaching and being together with family & friends, Nicole enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers (huge fan), geology and crafts – rock polishing, rock hounding, custom cakes and greeting cards, all of which she shared with her loved ones.
Surviving are her loving husband of nearly 27 years, Gabriel; their beloved sons, Diego (age 19) and Mateo (age 17); dad & mom, Jeff and Sue Tilidetzke; sister, Alison (Jamie) Jennings; nephew Jameson; mother-in-law, San Juanita; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Noemi, Angel, Adrian & Ruben; miniature schnauzer girls, Millie & Liberty; many special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, school family and friends – too numerous to mention all by name. Nicole was preceded in death by her grandparents, James & Iris Vavra, Robert & Alice Tilidetzke and Feliciano & Albina Ramirez; and miniature schnauzer girls, Sunshine, Sky & Harley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (6400 Spring Street) with Fr. Domenic J. Roscioli officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 12:00 – 3:00 pm and in the church on Monday from 10-11 am.
A heartfelt note of thanks to all our family & friends for the many thoughtful acts of kindness given during the past two years. May God bless all of you!
Julie R. Ortiz says
The world is a better place because was in it. She has been an amazing daughter, wife, mother, family member and friend to all. She has left an amazing impression on everyone that she has met. We will live in your memory and continue to try and be the best versions of ourselves everyday. Until the day we meet again I will think of you always my friend. Rest east sweet CoCo.
Jenny Alton says
I’m so sorry to hear about Nicole. My thoughts and prayers to her family. 🙏
Thinking of you all at this difficult time
The Torosian Family says
One of the many teachers at Racine Montessori that made it such a special place. Nicole and Mary Kay, you said it like it was one name. Although my children didn’t go through their class, just passing by in the hall you could tell she was just such a great teacher. A quote that certainly applies to Nicole: “A teacher affects eternity; she can never tell where her influence stops.”
Our condolences to her family and to her RMS family.
The Torosian Family
Krissy Miller says
Nicole’s loved ones are in my thoughts n prayers.
I ask Jesus to comfort you all.
Joe and Kelly Ramirez says
Gone too soon… condolences to her family she will be missed.
Stanley & Shewanna Johnson says
My condolences to the family. May God provide peace for you during this difficult time. You were an amazing teacher to my son & we are thankful for the love you had for him.
Theresa (Poulsen) Sullivan says
I am so very sorry to hear of Nicole’s passing. My heart goes out to you all. Loving thoughts and prayers of comfort.
The Ehmcke Family says
Our heartfelt condolences goes out to the Fuentes family. Being part of Racine Montessori School, Nicole was a huge piece of the amazing school family. Neither of our children had Nicole and Mary Kay as teachers, but their smiles, laughs, and unbelievable knowledge was easily seen and passed along to ALL children and families in the school. She will be greatly missed and her memory will always be held close by her RMS family.
Betsy says
We are heartbroken that Mrs. Nicole had such a horrible sickness and leaves behind so many people who love and appreciate her contribution to the world.
The Balkcoms
Dustan, Betsy, Bear & Scout
Aunt Cindy Weiss says
I had the joy and honor of being “aunt” to Nicole and her family. Nicole always had a hug for me, a kind word, and then we’d talk about teaching. I loved sharing stories with her. She was truly a sister to our niece Julie, and we loved her like family. We will keep you all close in our prayers and of course Nicole will stay in our hearts!
Mr and Mrs. Bryant and Crystal Beal says
We are so sorry for your lost,may God bless each and everyone of you.
Holly Hess says
Our family is deeply sorry for your loss. Nicole was a terrific, respected teacher and she always talked about her family with so much love. Sending comfort to her family, and her RMS community.
Nico Patch says
I was in Nicole and Mary Kay’s classroom when I was younger. I have a lot of fond memories in that class and with Nicole and I always loved getting to see her in the halls after I moved on from their class. Even in the past several years since I left Montessori and would come and visit, I would always enjoy getting to stop by their room and say hi to her and Mary Kay and update them on how school was going. I’m a freshman in college and even now I still try and visit Montessori and see all my past teachers when I’m home and Nicole not being there to say hi to really hurt. This just shows how much of an impact she had on her students that they still think about and visited her even after over a decade of not being in her class. I hope her family finds comfort in hearing this and knowing how great of a teacher and person she was. I’ll really miss getting to see her every once in awhile and I hope that all of her friends and her family are doing okay.
Much love,
Nico Patch
Siegfried and Jayne Schroeder says
Our condolences to Nicole’s family.
Anonymous says
My condolences to Nicole’s family and friends.
Nicole was my son’s teacher years ago at RMS. Nicole was a wonderful teacher to my son. I loved how see taught my son and I could feel how she generally cared for all of her students.
Rest In Peace Nicole
Aunt Marcia and Uncle Scott says
Nicole was an incredible woman who was much loved and admired. She touched many lives and made them better for having known her. She will be missed, but always remembered.
Russ Harding says
So sorry for your loss. Alison and Nicole kept Dawn and I Honest.
Ashly, Pavel, and Tavi Dimitrov says
We are so grateful for the time Tavi spent in Nicole and Mary Kay’s class. Nicole was so genuine and loving with the children that it touched all our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.
Jane and Randy Stein says
My sincere condolences to the Fuentes family. Our two grandsons had Nicole and Mary Kay to start out their education and the foundation they laid will help them in future education. We as grandparents couldn’t ask for more. Rest in peace Nicole you will be greatly missed.
The Saaski Family says
So sad to hear this news! Nicole was a special teacher and friend to many. Our daughter Beatrix was lucky enough to be part of her class! Sending strength and love during this difficult time.
Jennifer J (George) Cottreau says
Still can’t believe she’s gone. Alison and Nicole were childhood friends of mine. We tried to stay in touch. I had no idea she was sick. This deeply has affected my heart and need to reconnect with Nicole’s family and friends. She was a funny, caring beloved friend.she will be sadly missed and never forgotten. It makes you realize just how precious life is. Everyday be grateful for who you have and what you truly are. Inside and out. Time nor distance should have separated us..My greatest sympathy to Nicole’s family. I once was. Still am if you need me! She had guts and could dance like no other! Even if she couldn’t teach me or Alison to stay in line or on time! I am so very sorry she had left way to soon. Please reach out on. a media I can see who’s talking. Hearing/Communication impaired.. I would love to honor her memory!