Nicolette “Nikki” Beloud peacefully left this earth on May 4, 2022, after a short battle with brain cancer. Nikki is preceded in death by her longtime partner of 27 years, Bert who passed away in October 2020. Nikki was affectionately called “Momma” by her two children, Cristina and Brett and her beloved son in law, Rudd and “Thetsa” by her nieces and nephews. Nikki enjoyed a full life and was an adored Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and trusted friend. She leaves behind an extended family and many friends from all over the world.
Nikki was born in Minneapolis, MN and moved to the Valley with her parents Mary and James when she was 12 years old. Her beloved brother Leo was born shortly after they arrived in Phoenix. Early in her life, Nikki realized a love for travel and adventure and after high school entered the travel industry at American Express. While there she met the father of her children, Paul. She and Paul married and set off to travel the world while both maintaining careers in the very popular travel and airline industry. Paul and Nikki divorced but remained friends up until the end. Nikki later co owned a travel agency for over 20 years and then decided to switch careers and join the Phoenix Police Department as a civilian. She retired from the Phoenix Police Department in 2017 after 15 years of service.
Nikki had an unquenchable love for travel. She visited every continent and almost every major country in the world at least once, and made world travel a huge part of growing up for her children. More recently, Nikki and Bert found joy in visiting our National Parks and prior to Bert’s death, visited 11 parks and monuments in the Rocky Mountain and Western regions.
Nikki was an avid reader, excellent skier, photographer, lover of coffee, wine, dogs (both hers and her “Grand dogs”), horses, country music, mountains, and good conversation. Nikki was a patriot and supporter of public safety and veteran’s issues and was a firm believer in the US Constitution and rights of Americans. On any given morning whether in December or July, one could find her sitting outside on the patio with a book. Until age 70 Nikki could also be found hiking Squaw Peak Mountain at 5 am almost every day. And up until April 2022 Nikki was still going to the gym 3 days a week.
Nikki was a tough and smart lady and had the opinions to prove it. She had an extraordinary wit and sense of humor and even spoke fluent Greek. Nikki was also a loyal defender of her family and close friends and was loved by them all.
We know without a doubt Nikki is in heaven. We envision her holding court with a glass of wine in one hand while looking down on Earth trying to solve all the problems. Keep trying Nikki, we need your help down here. We will miss you terribly, Momma. Please keep a close eye on us until we meet again.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., in Phoenix. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed and can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Lee E West
Dear Cristina and Brett,
Big hugs from Lee and Marvin. Nikki was the first person I met when I moved to Phoenix. Like Nikki I have always had the travel bug. Shortly after moving into the apartments just south of her business I needed a ticket to Acapulco…and that was it and the start of many ski trips all over Europe.
Lily Ridgers
This was such a beautiful life story. She was such a unique and true friend to us. Her story is just amazing and it explains her way with people! I feel privileged that we got to part of her life and she added so much to ours. Her wonderful way is carried forward by Cristina and Brett in their circle of friends and hospitality to all.
Sincerely, Lily and Jim Rodgers. Scottsdale, Arizona
Diane Freeman
I, too, met Nikki through travel when I went to work at Fifth Avenue Travel in the early 1980’s and we later took trips together that were filled with wine and giggles. I join the family in missing her terribly. Although it surely didn’t feel so at the time, we can be grateful that her decline was mercifully rapid so she didn’t have to suffer or linger for long. Deepest condolences.
Traci Anderson
Cristina and Brett (my cuz’s),
I’m going to miss Aunt Nikki just like I miss my parents! Your mom was a huge force in my life growing up and till her death. She is sooooo important in my life and she is going to be dearly, dearly missed!!
Peggy Bassett
I worked many years with Nikki and Leo. I loved Nikki from the 1st time I met her, she was just like my Mom. I loved that she had opinions,and wasn’t afraid to say them. She loved her kids more than anything in life and we all knew about your lives as if we were siblings. The way she would lean over her computer at work to talk to us with the most perfect always red fingernails I had ever seen. Her stories of where she had traveled and still wanted to go. And the love of her life Bert, who was the perfect companion to my Nikki! I love you Nikki,and how you included me in your life and called me Pegs! You were strong and stubborn right until the end, and such a short illness. I’m so happy you are with Bert again, we talked how much you missed him. It’s us that miss you now, be free with Bert to finish your travels. I will always love you and think of you!
Tera, Keith and Andella Klein
Cristina and family,
Our deepest sympathies are with you. I had never met your beautiful momma but she raised and amazing woman so I can only imagine how her light shined brightly and now will continue to shine brighter next to Jesus!
We love you,
The Klein’s
Nick Trotta
Cristina and Family
Your words captured a glimpse for others to see and learn about her. Many know how powerful the relationship was with you and your family. Her presence, regardless of where you lived was a daily contact by phone, email or text; Her Presence NOW will be closer and ever so constant. She will always be present. Today may be long and hard, but the celebration allows all to pause and say thank you for being there. After the celebration, it’s Her presence in signs around you especially in Silence that you will be reminded, She will Always be with You . May you receive the Grace of Strength and Peace to carry you through today and all the days. Peace