Nicole S. Sophia (Stern) was born May 26, 1991 in Albert Lea MN. She died October 17, 2022 near Gilbert MN.  

Nicole attended school in Silver Bay MN where she played hockey and performed in theater. She participated in PSEO during her junior and senior years at Mesabi Range College in Virginia MN, where she performed in every play offered while earning her AA degree. She spent several years working as a CNA and genuinely loved and cared for the dementia patients, often sitting with them after her shift was over, holding their hand as they passed so they were not alone. Nicole loved coffee and espresso and enjoyed her time as a Barista at the Front Porch in Ely. A performer since childhood, her passion was acting, musical theater and opera, Cabaret being her all-time favorite production. She had recently fallen in love with making dream catchers and started her own business, In Your Dreams, and had intentions of marketing her beautiful creations. She also loved her family, the beach, emeralds, sushi, archaeology, French culture, shoes, Pink Floyd, and getting tattoos and her nails done but more than anything, she loved her babies. 

Nicole is survived by her heart-broken children Gianna, Olivia, Phillip and Harrison Sophia, her mother, Michelle Ellis and father Richard (Gloria) Stern, and 3 siblings: her older sisters Tori (Calvin) Pagel and her 5 children (Allie, Jordan, Charlotte, Henry and Ella), and Caitlin Stern and her daughter Bridgett, and her younger brother, Ryan Stern. Also surviving is Nana Margie, Aunt Debbie, Christenson cousins Daniel, Erik and Lukas and their families, and her cherished pets Zeus, Xena and Luna. She was preceded in death by her Uncle Tige, Grandpa Bill, Cousin Jamie, Grandpa Clair, Grandma RuthAnn and Grandpa Vern. Her family requests you plant some Lily of the Valley in her memory, support theater in your schools and communities, and be vigilant of the signs of domestic violence, mental illness, and addiction in your loved ones in hopes you will be able to help them find help. Blessed be her memory.