We are very sad to announce the passing of Nicole Hannum, 59, of Plymouth NH, who passed away Sunday, December 17th, 2023, at Concord Hospital.
Nicole (affectionately, Coli) was born February 29, 1964, in Queens, NY, the daughter of Nicholas and Nina Gorboff.
Coli's father's work moved his family over 2 continents; for Coli it was grade school in Anchorage, Alaska, to Kalama Valley, Oahu, Hawaii, to high school in Munich, Germany. Coli spoke fluid French, the primary language spoken at home. She received a BA in history at SMU in Dallas, completed 2 years law at Texas Wesleyan in Ft Worth, received her BS in nursing from Salem State University in Salem, MA and began her career as a registered nurse.
Coli was an animal lover, all creatures big and small. There was never a time in her life without a beloved dog. She took a love for horses early in life, having had a horse in the family, then owning 2 horses herself over the years. She loved travelling to Europe with her husband of 24 years, Jeff, with hopes of someday living in one of her favorite cities, Vienna. She loved hiking, skiing, taking long walks with her dog, Chama, and just living and being in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Coli was a fabulous cook. There were no boundaries to her cuisine, influenced from the French and Russian heritage of her parents. A favorite meal for us was her rendition of Russian Pelmeni and Pierogi. She was a dedicated registered nurse and loved what she did best, caring for others.
Coli is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Hannum of Plymouth NH, her three sons, Thomas Mätter, Dawson Mätter of Dallas, TX, Taylor Mätter of Washington DC, sister Karin (Tasha) Gorboff of Franklin, NC, nephew Nicholas Ducker of Kerrville, TX, nieces Lara Ducker and Cori Ducker of Kerrville, TX and grandaughter Marjorie Mätter of York, PA.
Coli was preceded in death by her father Nicholas, her mother Nina, her sister Tanya, her brother Michael, and her twin sister Nadine.
She was a "Wildflower", a free spirit, resilient, and beautiful. One of her favorite songs and favorite verse from the song "Wildfowers", Tom Petty:
"You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
Sail away, kill off the hours
You belong somewhere you feel free"
One of Coli's ambitions was to volunteer as a nurse for a humanitarian organization in Central/Southern Africa. If so inclined to honor Nicole please make a donation to: Any charity of choice that helps the children/families of Central/Southern Africa or 'Save the Elephants'.
Gatherings for family members will be held to celebrate Coli's life.