Joan "Nicki" E. Giordano

Joan "Nicki" Emma Giordano, 89, of Crown Point, Indiana, and formerly of Merrillville, Indiana passed peacefully on September 10, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and generosity that touched everyone who knew her. She was born on November 25, 1936. Nicki was born in Lakeland, Florida, and grew up to graduate from Crown Point High School in 1954. She never stopped growing, learning, or giving back. She began her career as an X-ray technician at Gary Methodist and Mercy Hospital in the 1960s, and while raising her children, she even took the wheel as a school bus driver, all the while quietly working toward something more. She went on to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees in business from Indiana University Northwest in 1986, a milestone that opened the door to her becoming Assistant Dean of Admissions there. Later in life, her heart led her toward social work, and she found deep purpose as Executive Director of Greenwich House. Nicki's faith was central to who she was, and she was a long-time, beloved member of Crown Point United Methodist Church. Even after retiring, she couldn't sit still when there was good to be done, spending years volunteering at Methodist Hospital. Her heart for animals was boundless; she gave her time to local animal shelters and had a well-known habit of taking in pretty much every stray that crossed her path, because to Nicki, every creature deserved love and a home. She poured that same care into her flower beds, into music as a French horn player with the Northwest Indiana Symphony, and into her legendary, elaborately themed house parties that brought family and friends together for evenings no one ever forgot. Nicki was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Julius Vaughn and Annetta Hillard, and her daughters, Jill Eichler and Phyllis Giordano, who she carried in her heart every day. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 64 years, John R. Giordano of Crown Point, Indiana, whose love and partnership stood the test of time. She is also survived by her children, Doug (Sue) Giordano of Crown Point, Indiana, Dave (Jen) Giordano of St. John, Indiana, John III (Judy) Giordano of Lagos, Portugal, and Amy Hudson of Gentry, Arkansas, as well as many dear nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were the light of her life. A private family memorial will be held to celebrate Nicki's extraordinary life. Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Nicki’s online obituary and guestbook at www.burnsfuneral.com.

Joan "Nicki" E. Giordano

November 25, 1936 - September 10, 2026