1972 – 2004

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Nicola Joyce Power Smith, 32, beloved and loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and granddaughter died unexpectedly at her home in Utah, March 12.

She was born in Lewiston, Jan. 20, 1972, to Joseph Askey and Debbie Bragdon Askey. Her father died in 1972, and George Power became “Dad to us all” (her words) when he and her Mom were married in 1975.

She lived in Portland, Auburn and Wales, completing her elementary and high school education at Wales Central School and Oak Hill High School graduating in 1990. She attended Ricks College in Idaho, and graduated from there in 1992.

While at college, she met Eric Smith, her eternal companion, whom she married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 23, 1993. They returned to Maine, for a reception at the Ocean with the multitude of friends and family that cherished her.

Her positive spirit, giving nature and enthusiasm provided an example to youth which is legendary amongst those who knew her. During junior high and high school, she brought and received joy and understanding as a peer counselor and working with the Special Olympics for whom she volunteered tirelessly.

She embraced the Mormon church when she and her family were baptized in 1985; giving and growing through learning, teaching, music, service projects, youth activities, seminary, camping, and even engaging the youth there in Special Olympics.

Her example to her peers and their siblings then continues to be reflected in their adult lives today. Those who were little children then, as young adults still remember wanting to be “just like Niki.” Years later, when aware of any of these youth being alone in Utah, she has reached out to embrace and be “family” for them.

Loving all her family dearly, she was dedicated to keeping “nuclear” and “satellite” family as one. She lit up all their lives and was “always there” despite the physical miles between them. She remained her brother, Danny’s, best friend, grandparents comforter, and her Mom’s #1 source of counsel as they walked each other through life’s joys and challenges.

A life, already abundant with love and friendships, joyously embraced motherhood with the birth of Tyler in March 1997, and Hannah in August of 1998. She bubbled with joy whenever speaking of her children. She lovingly included them in all she did, teaching them through fun experiences.

Preparing for the St. George Marathon, she cycled with the children in a wagon she pulled behind, jogged with them in a stroller she pushed ahead, and all three went to kiddie gymnastics. (She placed 17th out of 225 and qualified for the Boston marathon.)

Tyler and Hannah came too, as she came to Maine to look after grandparents when needed. Here, she demonstrated service, kindness, hard work and respect, as the children helped and daily gathered neighborhood children for cookies and games! From concocting treasure hunts and creating family photo story books together, to library visits (the favorite) for books and plane flights when she worked as a stewardess; despite their short time together, she gave her children a lifetime of love, joy, learning and experience.

She will be sorely missed by her husband and children of Salt Lake City, Utah. Her family in Maine, George and Debra Power of Auburn; brother, Jason Power Sr., his wife, Shelli, and their children J.J. and Allyson of Minot; brother, Daniel (Danny) Power and companion, Carrie Madura of Hebron; her grandparents, Dana and Joyce Bragdon of Portland; uncle, Darryl Bragdon Sr., wife Linda, their children, Darryl Jr. and Jeremy. Extended family includes her parents-in-law, A. Jay and Joy Smith of Utah; sister-in-law, Jill and her husband, Steve, and their children, Nathan, Spencer and Thomas; brothers-in-law, Jeff Smith of Texas, and Scott Smith of Utah.

She was predeceased by her father, Joseph Askey.