Nicole Marie Johnson [05/10/2003]

Nicole Marie Johnson, 17, of Westlake Village, Calif., died Friday, May 2, 2003 in Westlake Village. She was born Aug. 20, 1985 in New Orleans, La. and had been a resident of Ventura County for 15 years. A beloved and treasured daughter, granddaughter, relative and friend of many, she exhibited character and strength, compassion and warmth, wisdom and faith well beyond her years. A tremendous two-sport athlete in track and soccer, she was an excellent student and was recently accepted to the University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz. She planned to major in theater arts to fulfill her dream of becoming an actress. Nicole also found time to pursue other interests in acting, singing and as a peer minister to other teens through St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church in Thousand Oaks, was an active member of Young Life Christian Youth Group of Conejo Valley and attended Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village with her father. She was also an active member of the Associated Student Government of Westlake High School. A radiant smile, a cheerful bounce, eternal optimism, abundant energy, a warm and friendly personality, a strong faith, determination and a strong work ethic, uncompromising character and integrity and an uncommon compassion for others were characteristic of Nicole. She had an impact on, set an example for, and left a lasting impression on all she came in contact with.Nicole is survived by her parents Dane Johnson and Lisa Burch, both of California; her brothers, Shane Johnson and Jesse Cuccia, both of California; her stepfather John Cuccia of California; stepsisters, Kindrea, Karley and Brittney Cuccia, all of California; her grandparents, Gordon and Marie Johnson of Lovell, Maine, and Salli Burch; her uncles and aunts, John and Vicki MacDougall of North Conway, and Dan and Kristy Lavertue of Shelburne; and cousins, Jonathan MacDougall of North Conway and Kate and Nathan Lavertue of Shelburne; and other family members and friends. Burial was in Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village. Donations may be directed to Westlake High School Scholarship Foundation, Nicole Marie Johnson Memorial Fund, 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village, Calif. 91362.