Nicole Ann Alcorn, 49 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 9, 2025, following a 15-year battle with breast cancer. She was born October 2, 1975, in Pittsburgh, PA to Peter and Ann (Stefanov) Yanief, Jr. Niki graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Pittsburgh, Class of 1994, where she was a standout athlete on the basketball team. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Waynesburg University, playing collegiate basketball simultaneously, and later obtained her master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Niki made her career in banking, starting at Centier Bank in Valparaiso, serving in numerous positions, working her way up in increasing levels of responsibility over 16 years. She remained as an executive officer at Everwise Credit Union (formerly Teachers Credit Union) until the time of her passing. Niki took great pride in her career, especially hiring, developing, and mentoring her employees.
Niki was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, and enjoyed serving as a board member at Opportunity Enterprises. She loved spending time with her family, especially supporting her sons at their various sporting events, and watching them grow and succeed. Niki longed for vacationing anywhere with warm sun, soft sand, and the sound of the ocean. Cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers and celebrating Christmas in Pittsburgh were cherished times for Niki. She also enjoyed a good Martini, fine dining with friends, and the many French and English Bulldogs she had throughout the years. Niki was known for her sincere compliments, making people feel special, and helping others in any way she could. Her smile lit up every room she entered, and her heartwarming presence was felt by all. Niki remained positive throughout her illness, all the while keeping others in the forefront of her mind. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
On November 11, 2000, in Pittsburgh, Nicole married the love of her life, Drew Alcorn, who survives, along with their sons: Andrew and Alexander; her parents, Peter and Ann Yanief; brothers: Peter (Lisa) Yanief, Greg (Lisa) Yanief, and David (Susan) Yanief, all of Pittsburgh; nieces and nephews: Alexis, Natasha, Sydney, Megan, Allison, Jackson, and Blake; father-in-law, Andrew Alcorn; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, and mother-in-law, Judith Alcorn.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN. The funeral mass will begin on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. (Central Time) directly at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, IN, with additional visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Central Time). Cremation will follow at Angelcrest Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family for the education of Nicole’s sons.
Nicole’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who provided the best care to Nicole during her illness, as well as the neighbors and friends for the outpouring of love and support which have helped them through this difficult time.
GUESTBOOK
Our deepest condolences for all family and friends… Each one in our thoughts and prayers. -Dareth Hall
There are a few times in life when we encounter a truly exceptional human being, Niki was one of those times for many of us in Valpo. Kind, gracious, brilliant and generous; Niki embodied grace and poise. When she spoke everyone in the room listened. She was never to busy for a friend, always gave her all to anything she involved herself with. This loss is a tragedy not only for her family and friends but for our whole community. Valpo loves the Alcorn family and we hold Drew and the boys in our hearts and arms at this time. Rest well Niki, you’ve earned it. -Marc Ruiz
Our deepest condolences for all family and friends… Each one in our thoughts and prayers. -Dareth Hall
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Nicole. I work very closely with her brother, Greg. I know how much Greg admired Nicole and how difficult this is for the family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. -Keith Watson
Sending condolences, love, hugs, and prayers to the family. May Nicole Rest in Paradise. -Anet Moran
Our memories of Niki will always be a blessing! -Stuart Allan
Sending heartfelt love and prayers It had been forever since school and Nik was the first person to reach out when I had my diagnosis and surgery. Her words of strength and love carry with me and we will continue the fight!! Rest easy, -Leah Orris (Price)
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Niki. May her memory be a blessing. Please know that I am thinking of you and your boys during this time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, -Donna Gutierrez
I worked with Nikki's Mom, Ann for many years. Ann was always so proud of Nikki and all her accomplishments in life. She was loved so dearly. My heart is broken for her family. Nikki was truly a beautiful person inside and out. Prayers and condolences for her family. -Cheryl Fleming
My thoughts and prayers to you all. Love you Ann and Pete and Drew and boys. -Jessica M.
Drew and family, We always enjoyed seeing you all and sharing laughs especially when your family visited MB. Sending our deepest condolences to all, Niki’s smile and great sense of humor will be missed. Continued prayers for all during this difficult time. All our love. -Tracy & Anthony Berard
My condolences to Drew, Andrew and Alex and the whole Alcon and Yanief families. Niki was such a special person who touched so many. I was honored to work with her for most of her career at Centier Bank. I so enjoyed the time she made her office at the Valparaiso Downtown branch. We had many laughs together daily. She made work fun. Despite the many challenges battling this terrible illness she did it with such grace and positivity never showing her pain to others. She truly cared about those around her. The Angels are loving her now and holding her tightly in their arms. -Tim Warner
Drew Alex and Andrew my deepest condolences on the passing of Niki (mom). She was definitely a special lady and she never knew a stranger. Sending out prayers to you all during this difficult time. -Melissa C.
Thinking of and holding up the family, especially Drew, Andre, and Alex at this time. I had the great opportunity to join Nicole's Retail team at Everwise back in 2019. Over these years I have gotten to know her better and was always inspired by her way with people and outgoing spirit. I was able to witness her battle through these last years and she fought with great determination and tenacity all while leading our team through and out of Covid and working to transform how we serve our members. She was a true inspiration on all fronts, and she will be deeply missed. Rest well Nicole! -Tony Neice
I am so happy to have had Niki be a part of our lives, she truly had the best heart. She will forever be missed. She put a amazing fight with her cancer battle. I am praying for your family during this difficult time. Praying for you Andrew Alex and Drew. -Ash
