Nicole Louise Grotegut's Obituary
Nicole Louise Grotegut
Born on April 5, 1966, in Heidelberg, Germany, Nicole lived a life defined by a rare combination of brilliant intelligence, fierce strength, a delightfully silly sense of humor, and a deep, boundless love for others. On May 3, 2026, Nicole passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a loss that will forever be felt by her family, friends, and everyone lucky enough to know her.
Nicole graduated from San Jose State University in 1990 with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics before building a successful career as an Aerospace Engineer at Lockheed Martin. Yet, despite her impressive analytical mind and professional accomplishments, Nicole’s true life’s work was the beautiful family she built.
That beautiful journey truly began in 2001, when Nicole met the love of her life, Allison Brown. From the moment they met, they began laying the foundation for a lifetime of shared dreams, laughter, and devotion. As partners in every sense, Nicole and Allison proudly built a life centered entirely on love and family. Together, they welcomed their first son, Julien, into the world on April 20, 2004. Just over two years later, on December 22, 2006, their family became complete with the joyous arrival of twins, Cole and Carly. Nicole and Allison raised their children together, creating a home where their kids were the absolute center of their universe. Together, they intentionally filled their household with laughter, safety, and an endless supply of love.
Nicole possessed a beautifully playful soul and was a mom who completely threw away dignity just to see her children smile. She had unique, cute nicknames for each of her kids and always knew exactly how to lift spirits or break the tension when someone was mad or sad. Whether she was giving unexpected wet willies, pulling her pants up high to make them laugh, tickling them, or bringing out her puppet, Mr. Walter Finley, to put on elaborate shows when they were little, she lived to bring joy to her family. They will forever cherish the sound of her cheerful “HEDDO!” and her playful “where are you?” called out in the signature accent her own mother used on voicemails.
Nicole found peace and happiness in the simple beauty of being outside, soaking in the sunshine on walks, and spending quiet moments at the park across the street. In recent years, she faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease with the same incredible strength that defined her whole life. Growing up, Dale Petersen was always around and helped the family with so many things. When Nicole's illness progressed and everyday tasks became harder, Carly, Cole, Julien, Allison, and Dale stepped in as her primary caretakers, supporting her every single step of the way. Though the condition worsened, Nicole refused to let it steal her joy. She was stubborn in the most beautiful, heartbreaking way, always giving more than her body could handle because her heart was simply too big. Even as she struggled more recently, her passing was something her family never truly expected because her vibrant energy remained so incredibly full of life.
Nicole is survived by her loving children, Julien Grotegut, Cole Grotegut, and Carly Grotegut; her wife, Allison Brown; her mother, Henriette Grotegut (97); and her siblings, Ninon Littleton, Richard Grotegut, Noelle Grotegut, and Viviane Thompson. She is also survived by her cherished, longtime family friend, Dale Petersen, along with many extended family members and countless lifelong friends whose lives were touched by her kindness. She is reunited in peace with her beloved father, Ronald Grotegut.
Nicole’s love, laughter, and wonderfully silly spirit will continue to live on through the memories, traditions, and stories shared by everyone who knew her. She was deeply loved, and she always will be.
Date of service, June 4th 12-3 pm at Skylawn Funeral Home and Crematory
888 LifeMark Road Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
What’s your fondest memory of Nicole?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nicole?
Share a story where Nicole's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nicole you’ll never forget.
How did Nicole make you smile?