Obituary of Nina Michelle Ficca

NINA MICHELLE FICCA 46, of Atlantic City, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2021. Nina was born on May 6, 1974, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Frank and June (Leggieri) Ficca. Nina's love for education was sparked at a young age, often making her younger brother, Frankie, play school with her, for hours on end. This passion for education continued throughout Nina's life. Graduating among the top of her class at Atlantic City High School, class of 1992, she then continued on to earn a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Rowan University. During her time in college, Nina was committed to making an impact on her community, becoming heavily involved with volunteer and activism work. Following her college graduation in 1997, Nina went on to proudly serve her country in the United States Army. Upon her return from service, Nina pursued her passion for teaching, beginning her long career as a devoted teacher at Sovereign Avenue School, in Atlantic City. Nina's caring and empathetic nature made her into a remarkable teacher who was able to touch the lives of countless students. Teaching was truly one of the greatest joys of Nina's life and her students meant the absolute world to her. Nina took her commitment for teaching one step further and received her master's of education, from Stockton University, in 2014. Aside from teaching, Nina had a great love for animals and devoted her time to helping stray cats in her community. She volunteered with the Alley Cat Allies, never turning away from providing for a cat in need. Nina carried her strong faith in God with her throughout her life, and lived each day with a grateful and loving heart. Nina was predeceased by her mother, June Leggieri-Juarez; paternal grandparents, Tony and Mildred Ficca; maternal grandmother, Grace Portale; uncles, Michael (Debbie) Ficca and Anthony Ficca; and aunt, Grace (Barry) Sabott. She will be lovingly remembered by her father, Frank Ficca; brother, Frank G. (Nathifa) Ficca; nephews, Xavier and Xion; niece, Izabella; aunts, Nancy Ficca, Anna Ficca, Susan (Ron) Moore, and Michelle (Richard) Runge; and uncle, David Ficca. She also leaves behind many dear cousins, beloved friends and co-workers, cherished students, and treasured cats. May we all continue Nina's work of making this world a better place. May we care for those around us, give back to our community, invest in the future of children, and believe that kindness is never wasted. May her memory and spirit live on in all who loved her. Friends and family are welcome to attend visitation on Sunday, January 31st at Gormley Funeral Home LLC 2706 Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City, N.J., from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the memorial service will be limited to immediate family members. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Atlantic County and the Alley Cat Allies.