Nicole Saccoccia

Nicole Yvonne Saccoccia met Jesus on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 8:42 p.m. Known affectionately as “Niki” to everyone who loved her, she was brought into this world on June 2, 1972, in Red Bluff, California, born to Leland and Loren McGarity.

Niki’s formative years were spent across several schools, including Chico Christian School, Bidwell Junior High, Mt. Zion, and Kings Christian School, before she graduated from Chico High School. She went on to attend Bethany Bible College for a year before entering the workforce. Blessed with a natural ability to connect with and care for others, Niki worked as a waitress and a medical receptionist before finding her stride in healthcare leadership. She ultimately ran clinics for the UC Davis Medical Group in Roseville, California, and later for Bayview in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

On September 5, 1996, Niki welcomed her beautiful daughter, Kendra Haseleu, into the world. Kendra meant everything to Niki; they were not just mother and daughter, but the truest of best friends. Their bond was one of those rare and beautiful gifts that only grows stronger with time, built on countless memories, laughter, love, and an unbreakable connection. Among their most cherished memories was a beautiful trip to Ireland, where a piece of Niki’s heart will forever remain at their special place.

Niki married Raymond Saccoccia on December 1, 2012, in Visalia, California. Their love story was uniquely their own. As her family grew to know Raymond, they saw clearly that he was the man God had brought into Niki’s life to love her unconditionally. Together, they shared a love that was built on faith, laughter, companionship, and a deep devotion to one another.

Niki lived life with a vibrant, joyful spirit. She possessed a true green thumb, finding peace in tending her gardens, watching flowers bloom, and welcoming the local wildlife that stopped by to visit. An avid cyclist, she conquered California’s challenging Wildflower Century ride – and once even had to out-pedal a bear during a memorable ride with her husband. Niki loved family time, reading, animals, and playing the piano. Her rendition of “El Shaddai” will always bring a warm chuckle to those who remember it. She was a movie enthusiast who could quote all of Sense and Sensibility, a talented artist who shared her “Bob Ross” style paintings with loved ones, an enthusiast of a good conspiracy theory, and the absolute master of the comforting 30-second hug.

In September 2016, Niki was involved in a traffic collision that unexpectedly led to the discovery of a rare neuroendocrine, or carcinoid, tumor. The zebra ribbon has become a symbol for neuroendocrine cancer, representing the rare and often misunderstood disease that would become a significant part of Niki’s journey. Niki faced her cancer diagnosis head-on with profound grace, dignity, and a strength that she always credited entirely to God. Rather than fearing the anniversary of her diagnosis, Niki looked forward to September each year as a beautiful celebration of another year of life. She once shared that she would never choose to return to her pre-cancer life, because the journey had allowed God to heal old wounds. Through it, she discovered deep forgiveness, total reliance on God, and a profound, unshakable peace surrounded by her husband, daughter, fur babies, family, and friends.

Niki was preceded in death by her father, Leland McGarity, in May of 2017.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith and is survived by her husband, Raymond Saccoccia; her daughter, Kendra Haseleu; her mother, Loren Tietz (Ken); her stepmother, Elaine McGarity; her sisters, Jennifer Goff (Terry) and Hannah Olsen (Bryan); her extended family, including Shirley Saccoccia; her nieces, Samantha Goff, Tabitha Olsen, and Tessa Olsen; her nephew, Matthew Goff; her stepdaughters, Ashleigh Rocha (Jason) and Haley Saccoccia; and her grandchildren, Colton and Jayce Rocha.

Niki loved to quote the film Ever After, often repeating the line: “Wait, it’s tradition, he always waves at the gate.” For those of us left behind who mourn her, we find comfort in knowing that Niki is now waving at Heaven’s gate, waiting to welcome us home.