Nicole Lynn Anderson

Obituary Nicole Lynn Anderson sadly lost her lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. She lived her short life to the fullest, never letting her age constrain her passion for life or her commitment to strive for excellence. She demonstrated to all how to embrace life with exuberance. Born March 19, 1980, in Maysville, Kentucky, Nicole enjoyed childhood, friendships and especially schooling. She excelled academically while enjoying cheerleading, tennis, student council, and performing in drama productions. All this laid the foundation for her rewarding college experience. Nicole graduated Suma Cum Laude from Western Kentucky University, in May 2002, garnering many prestigious local and national awards for both her academic and leadership excellence; including receiving "The United States Achievement Academy Award", two Grand Champion classical piano awards. While in college, she began her pageant success. She enjoyed being a member of the Western Kentucky Dance Team, participating in Greek life Phi Mu and studying internationally. Active community involvement was also a priority. During college, Nicole developed a passion for the law, recognizing that it could be used as an instrument for societal good. She held a research internship for the Kentucky General Assembly and also a policy internship in Washington D.C. Intensity, ardor, proficiency and servitude characterized the remainder of Nicole's life. She earned her J.D. degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law, receiving the 'Greenbaum, Doll McDonald Legal Scholar' award and her work was nationally published. She adroitly handled more than her academics during law school. Being a legal clerk in Lexington and a judicial clerk in Frankfort established the prerequisites for a Graduate Fellowship with the Appropriation and Revenue Committee for the Kentucky General Assembly in Frankfort. During this time Nicole served, charitably, at St. Joseph's Hospital Heart Institute and was the founding chairperson for its 'Living Lecture Series'. Nicole's enthusiastic fervor for life was manifested in other areas including; beauty, poise and musical talent. She was Miss Lexington in 2004, going on to become the Miss Kentucky Interview Winner and also receiving the 'Miss America Community Service Scholarship'. After being admitted to the bar, Nicole became a contract attorney in Washington, D.C. for Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld and Toll, primarily working on a class action suit against tobacco companies. Nicole continued her professional career as an attorney in the United States House of Representatives, for Congressman Ben Chandler from the Sixth District of Kentucky. In her personal life Nicole met her health challenges undeterred by adversity. She became a champion for healthy living, educating herself, and others, about the value of nutrition and living with optimism. Nicole Lynn Anderson was greatly loved and cherished by family and friends. She is survived by her mother Kitty Ward Milliken, step father Andy Milliken; her brother, John David Anderson and his daughter Reagan; grandmother Jeanine Ward; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Jeffery L. Anderson. As we mourn, let her spirit lift us and encourage all to embrace each day for the blessings it holds. Funeral Information A Memorial Service will be 6:00 pm, Friday, October 1 at The Signature Club, 3256 Lansdowne Dr., Lexington, KY 40502, followed by a reception.