"Amigos para siempre" means you'll always be my friend
"Amics per sempre" means a love that cannot end
Friends for life, not just a summer or a spring
Amigos para siempre
Obituary
Nicole Maree Lylak, lovingly known as Nikki, passed away suddenly whilst driving home from work on September 3, 2025, at the young age of 51. Born on June 4, 1974, in Yarrawonga, Nikki was a beacon of creativity, warmth, and boundless enthusiasm for life.
Nikki’s early years were filled with curiosity and energy. She spent her first months of 3-year old kindergarten in Mulwala before finishing at Brighton and going onto 4-year-old kindergarten at Belvedere in 1978. She completed her primary schooling at St Ann’s Primary School in Seaford, where her love of music began to blossom. In grades 5 and 6, she sang proudly with the Victorian Children’s Choir.
Nicole then went on to attend Kilbreda College, an all girls school in Mentone, for her secondary education where her passion for music continued . It was here where Nikki was awarded a scholarship to learn piano and she took up classical singing lessons under the master voice coach, and Tenor, Ron Lees.
At 15 years old, Nikki started her first job working at the new McDonalds Restaurant that opened on Ballarto Road, Seaford. She worked along side her sister Lorraine and brother Mathew and stayed working there whilst finishing high school.
Besides music, Nikki also had a strong passion for crime and law stories. Often engrossed in James Patterson’s novels and his Alex Cross film adaptions, she was also captivated by television series like Ally McBeal, which combined her love of law with her fondness for drama and witty storytelling.
At 18 years old, Nikki had joined SES (State Emergency Services) as a volunteer, where she later met her ex-husband, and policeman, Damien Grange. Nikki was also actively involved in searches for "Frankston Murders" case and it was the highlight of her "legal" career.
Nikki and Damien's life were blessed with both the joy and sorrow of parenthood. Their first son, Jackson, was stillborn, a profound loss that Nikki carried with her throughout her life. She honoured his memory dearly, but her heart found solace and love in their second son, Rhys, who became a living testament to Nikki’s resilience and strength.
Rhys was Nikki's pride and joy. Everything she did, all the choices she made (easy and hard) all lead back to him. Nikki's love for Rhys knew no bounds, and she was fiercely proud of the kind, compassionate, and talented individual he has become.
Before teaching became the goal, Nikki was determined to become a lawyer. However, with intermittent battles with a chronic auto-immune disease, Lupus, she decided to change course and studied teaching. Whilst Nikki studied teaching at Monash University she also worked at La Porchetta as a waitress and went out dancing on weekends with her girlfriends at the Grand Hotel in Frankston, and sometimes even the infamous 21st Century Dance Club with the revolving dance floor.
Nikki landed her first teaching gig at St Brendan's Primary School in Baxter and continued her teaching career at Narre Warren South P-12 College. Nikki was at "Narre" (as she referred to it) since its opening in 2002. She started out in early learning, teaching Prep and Grade One classes before following her passion into Drama and Performing Arts, eventually becoming the Performing Arts Coordinator. More recently, Nikki began teaching drama classes for Year 12 students and was excited about sharing her love of performance and having heartfelt conversations them about it.
During her 20+ years tenure at Narre, Nicole made a huge impact in the schooling community, both on and off the stage. Nikki served as a Member of Council on the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and was also a Council Member for the South-Eastern electorate of the Australian Education Union (AEU) - Victoria. Nikki did not just volunteer, she worked hard, sometimes tirelessly, and advocated to ensure fair rights for teachers, that there was continuous improvement education system and helped debate and set policy within the framework.
Nikki's true calling, however, was drama and theatre. Her fascination with musicals and stage performances coloured every corner of her world. She loved attending productions—though she often teased her mum for famously sleeping through Pirates of Penzance when Nikki took her to the show. But whether she was attending the latest shows or participating in local theatre productions, Nikki's artistic spirit shone brightly, leaving a lasting impression on those who shared her love for the stage.
As with her education endeavours, Nikki volunteered lots of her time to her love of the arts. As a member of the Music Theatre Guild and PLOS Musical Productions, Nikki gave generously of her time and talents. Nikki served on the Guild as both an Open Judge and a Junior Judge, as well as a valued Relief Judge when called upon. Her thoughtful insights, encouragement, and warmth enriched productions across Victoria and supported the growth of countless performers and companies.
Alongside her love of the Arts, Nicole had a special affection for collecting snow globes, each piece a treasured keepsake from her life’s adventures. Her collection was not only a testament to her unique interests but also a reflection of her whimsical personality.
Nikki also loved her girl trips and family camping trips, where evenings by the campfire were filled with laughter, stories, and connection.
As the oldest of 14 siblings, Nikki was a natural leader who knew how to get the job done but also showed strength, compassion and empathy. Nikki has been a guiding light, a rock, a shoulder to cry on, and a true supporter of all of her brother's and sisters. Nicole was sometimes the peacemaker too. As a mediator, she listened, helped rationalise, created fairness, and helped hold the family close together through various sorts of family squabbles.
Nicole's later life journey was shared with her devoted partner, Tony Bailey. Together, they navigated life's challenges and triumphs, supporting one another with unwavering loyalty and affection. When Nikki met Tony, her heart was filled again as she found a new sense of joy in her life.
Nikki's vivacious spirit, her dedication to her family, and her love for the arts and nature will be sorely missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy is one of creativity, love, and an unquenchable zest for life.
She is survived by her partner, Tony Bailey, her son Rhys, her extended family, and numerous friends who became part of her cherished circle.
The world is dimmer without Nikki's vibrant presence, but her memory will illuminate the hearts of all she touched forever.
Gallery
Memory wall
words can’t even be put together on the pain i have for losing you this soon. You didn’t know this but you are and forever will be my biggest inspiration and my biggest drive to do well in this world, whenever i had a goal i always use you to help me get through any struggles or challenges i faced where i felt like giving up. You always supported me with whatever i brought to you and made sure it was clear that you might not of agreed with my choices but you supported me, that is something i will never be able to replicate or get from anyone else, i’m not sure what the saying is “nothing like a mothers love” or something like that but when it comes to you that quote hasn’t been more true, you always made a point to express your love for me with whoever crossed your path, always highlighting my success over yours this is a clear indication of the person who you are, always putting others before you. that is a trait i believe you have passed onto me as i am the exact same, you taught me so many things that you might of not of thought would ever be passed on but when i think about the person you are i can’t help but think about the person i am, you helped shape me into the young man i am today and you will forever shape me into the man i will be.
i could write so much more about mum and the person she used to be but what made mum special is she would listen to everyone and mould herself to be that support person to that person! that’s what made mum, mum! she was the glue that held everything and everyone together and i couldn’t be prouder to be your son, i will forever carry your name with me making sure you are come along on my journey!
i love you so much mum and i will miss you and think of you every single day! you will be missed and i can’t wait to see you again!
may your beautiful soul rest in peace 🕊️ 💜
Please listen to it…
https://ai-song-generator.onelink.me/xKQu/ehkwkjye
It’s the 3rd of September
Of Twenty twenty five
It’s a day I’ll never forget
It’s the day that you died
You were in your car
And on your way home
Emergency contacts notified
From an app on your phone
Tried to call to check on you
But the phone just rang through
So we rushed down to the scene
Where worst fears had come true
The roads were all blocked off
Police cars with flashing lights
We just wanted to believe
That our sister was alright
I was off to army
When I saw a text from Mum
It looked pretty serious
So I called like all good sons
Mum told me you had died
With tears and a broken heart
My mind it just went limp and numb
As the memories fell apart
There is one thing that haunts me now
As if it matters anyway
We all knew you never liked the hugs
And would often run away
But in this moment of catastrophe
A painful why is all we get
A hug of words in this poem
Is for a Sister we won’t forget.
Nicole.
In your time as an AEU member you held the following positions; sub-branch president, treasurer, secretary, women’s officer, Health and Safety rep.
At a state and federal level you were elected to the Primary and Branch Councils, attended Women’s conferences, participated in the Anna Stewart Memorial Project, were a delegate to the AEU annual conference at state and federal levels, were a Victorian Trades Hall Council Delegate, served on the Victorian Branch Executive for 5 years and sat on the board of the VIT.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, your contribution goes much further and will continue on for years to come.
On behalf of the AEU Victorian Branch,
Solidarity forever, VALE Nicole.
Unfortunately, over the years, we became busy at work and our paths did not cross often. But I do know that she made a massive impact at Narre. There are many teachers and students who are missing her cheerful, playful and colourful presence.
You are and will be dearly missed Nic. We were so lucky to have you in our lives. Rest in peace x x x
My deepest condolences to Rhys, and family.
The way we instantly clicked, we both knew that it would always be you and me against Rhysie in the bullying and telling him he is wrong - I knew that you would always have my back.
Some of my favourite memories I got to share with you, did involve a cheeky drink or two, the first time you met my family and got absolutely blind with dad (thats when Rhys n I knew we were screwed) you two became the ultimate drinking buddies, leading to our family trip to Bali (and again you two encouraging each other) with the endless supply of Vodka and Tequila sunrises!
The laughs and endless jokes I will forever hold so close to my heart.
You will forever be a woman of power and it showed through everything you did, it shows through every person whose life you entered. Your courage, compassion, wisdom, and love will never be forgotten, and you have shown to have given Rhys all these traits and more. I know how much you love and admire Rhys, he is and will always be your pride, joy and biggest and best accomplishment, I promise to never let him forget that.
My heart is truely shattered, losing a mother figure, and everything you were to be in our future, but I do know there is a special boy who was waiting to make up for lost time, and a mumma who’s got a lot in common with you.
I love you forever 💜👼
Terribly sad and devastating news to hear of your tragic passing at such a young age.
Although we didn't see each other that much whenever we did we always got on well and had a laugh.. I always enjoyed your company.
Nicole you have left us far far too soon but you and your spirit will live on with Rhysy boy, you have raised a very good young man.
Say G'day to the Big fella, Uncle John for me.
You will be missed
Rest easy mate
xoxo
Being friends for so many years we have had so many good times- From making props for many shows and burning our hands with the hot glue guns, stealing agapanthus from people’s gardens for props for Miss Saigon, wrapping prizes for the Plos fundraiser till 2 in the morning, being on the Plos committee together, being each others lockdown buddy but always making sure we were social distancing ourselves when cars drove past, watching our favourite show Greys Anatomy and our numerous coffee and chats together. I miss you so much already my friend. You’re my person.
There’s a big hole in the worlds of education and theatre around SE Melbourne. Fly high, friend.
Then we had so much fun judging shows and travelling all over the place together.
We have laughed together and cried together.
I was so happy when you met Tony and you even drove Jan and me to a show on your first date with him and we had dinner together before the show and he was such a gentleman looking after we two old ladies.
You will leave such a void in so many lives.
Condolences to Tony, to her son Rhys and all her beautiful family..
In all our hearts forever.Fly high Nicole.
Fran.💜
Sincerely, Elias, Marcquise, Krish and Habib
I love you x
Lorraine
You were a strength in the storm and the light in the night.
I don’t have many pictures of you, I’m told I take terrible pictures anyway, but your memory will never fade from my heart and the impact you have had on our lives will never diminish.
Forever in my heart 💜
Thankyou for everything you did for us as kids. You are one of the most supportive, loving and kind-hearted people to walk the earth. You gave so much love to everyone who knew you. I will never forget how you always supported my career - You really really wanted me to work on your little camper for you, we had actually spoken very recently about what your dreams were for the little camper. I will make sure now that those dreams are fulfilled.
Thankyou for everything, you will forever be in our hearts💜
Love you always 🫶
But you came for a wild ride this last weekend.
Miss you Nik forever!
Some of my most magical childhood memories are with you. I remember waking up after sleepovers at your house to find glitter sprinkled on the doorstep. You would smile and tell us the fairies had visited, leaving behind their fairy dust.
You embodied everything an aunty should be—you knew how to make life fun. Whether it was getting us McDonald’s with a cheeky “don’t tell your mum,” or introducing us to the Titanic during one of our first all-nighters, you created memories that will stay with us forever.
A few times, when all of us nieces and nephews were running wild, you’d send us outside and lock the doors, just to get a moment of peace and quiet. It’s now become a funny memory.
Thank you, Nikki, for filling our childhood with magic, laughter, and love. You will always hold a special place in our hearts, and you will be truly missed.
Even though we might only see each other a couple of times a year, I would love those catch ups. You were always there for the important stuff big or small, and I can't quite fathom that you won't be there anymore.
I will miss your laugh, your voice, your honesty, the way you loved and cared in our big extended family. You really shaped for me what it meant to be a grandkid of Nan & Pop and that was pretty special.
Love you. Rest easy 💜
Thank you for the hug and our little chat on most Monday morning, for your guidance, for your sense of humour, for always encouraging and supporting me, for being a humble and approachable leader for our specialist team, for being you. All your students are missing you, they put the song you created for them, the envelope card you taught them to make they made for you today, with a message how you have touched their heart...we will keep those special time with you forever in our hearts.
In the midst of grief and heartbreak of losing you, I know you are in a better place, beautiful soul Nicole.
We will treasure the memories as the heart that is grieving is the heart that has once loved.
Only by God's grace, only for His glory 🙏 ❤️
The support you gave everyone you met is something I will always admire, always putting others before yourself. Your selfless nature is something I truly aspire to be. The emptiness you have left behind could never be filled, you profoundly impacted SO many lives, students, staff, family, friends, everyone who had the honour of crossing paths with you was so lucky and it hurts so much that you are no longer here to continue to make that impact, it still doesn’t feel real but god was I lucky to have had such an incredible soul like yours in my life and I will carry your amazing presence and everything you taught me throughout the rest of my life.
I will always remember you as brave, joyous, loving, and supportive. You loved life and always brought that joy with you wherever you went. You treasured family get-togethers and always put maximum effort in for the benefit of others.
As a Sister, Mother, Daughter, Friend and Teacher, You were always there for myself and others whenever we needed it. No matter what we were going through, you made sure we knew you were right there. Your advice was always timeless and thoughtful.
You wore your heart on your sleeve and loved fearlessly, something I have always admired about you. You had an impact on people that truly can't be measured. Always full of joy and wanting the best for people, you brought light everywhere you went.
You had such a positive influence on me growing up, from my love of MacGyver, X-Files and Quantum Leap, to inspiring me to follow in your footsteps by joining the SES and pursuing a career in Policing.
It almost doesn't seem real. How can it be that someone so full of life could be gone so soon. Your absence will never go unnoticed.
Ps. You weren't just one of the good ones. You were one of the best.
Forever in my heart.
Love Jez
Nicole, you were such a big part of my formative years and one of the most positive role models I could have ever hoped for growing up. There is no doubt that I am the person I am today because of your influence.
Mum’s still not over the time you convinced me to cut off my long blonde locks at the ripe old age of five. You must have only been 14 at the time—definitely old enough to know better!
I was lucky enough to share a room with you in my teenage years, which came with many perks—like access to your prized black TEAC 3-stacker CD stereo and your ever-growing collection of musical soundtracks. It was during that time that I discovered a love for opera and classical music—loves you passed on to me.
But you weren’t just into music—you had an epic collection of VHS tapes and DVDs too. Our home was always filled with the sounds and stories from Calamity Jane, Grease, Beaches, and all the classic Disney musicals like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast, and The Lion King. You were always the one who pre-ordered them and brought them home for us to enjoy.
You also introduced me to classical literature—your passion for Pride & Prejudice and Gone with the Wind quickly became mine too. I borrowed your copy of Scarlett for years… and only just gave it back to you on our last camping trip.
You even guided me into my career—you were the one who encouraged me to be an accountant and gave me the opportunity to do work experience with you as a teacher. Your earlier dreams of becoming a lawyer made me believe that I could be anything I wanted to be. Over the years, we’ve shared not just career highs but also work lows, helping each other through the trickier days.
You were fiercely competitive though—I’m sure I never won a single game of Scrabble against you. Ever. We fought over organising family events. Oh how I’d do anything to let you organise our next one.
As the eldest of 14 siblings, you taught me how to be a leader. You were always firm but fair. And I will always be grateful for the positive impact you had on my life.
Life wasn’t always easy for you. You faced ongoing health challenges with Lupus and endured the heartbreaking loss of your first son, Jackson. And yet, through it all, you remained one of the happiest, most joyful people I’ve ever known—always up for a laugh or a good time.
Your love for Rhys knew no bounds. Every decision you made had him at the heart of it, and he’s grown into an admirable young man—a true testament to you. A skilled carpenter, a loyal teammate on the footy field, and dedicated at the gym—he’s someone you were so proud of, in every way. And when he found Paige, your pride only grew. You loved her like your own, and it was clear how much joy it brought you to see them together. Rhys carries your strength, your kindness, and your fierce love. You’ll always be part of who he is.
And then there’s Tony—the one who introduced you to camping, and, I’m pretty sure, the one who made you hate hugs just a little bit less. That alone says a lot. He had a quiet strength and a way of fitting into our loud, chaotic family like he’d always been part of it. What a truly good man and we were so glad you found him.
Nikki - I hope you’re reunited with Jackson now, catching up on all the time you missed together.
You are and always will be—forever in our hearts xxx
It’s the 3rd of September
Of Twenty twenty five
It’s a day I’ll never forget
It’s the day that you died
You were in your car
And on your way home
Emergency contacts notified
From an app on your phone
Tried to call to check on you
But the phone just rang through
So we rushed down to the scene
Where worst fears had come true
The roads were all blocked off
Police cars with flashing lights
We just wanted to believe
That our sister was alright
I was off to army
When I saw a text from Mum
It looked pretty serious
So I called like all good sons
Mum told me you had died
With tears and a broken heart
My mind it just went limp and numb
As the memories fell apart
There is one thing that haunts me now
As if it matters anyway
We all knew you never liked the hugs
And would often run away
But in this moment of catastrophe
A painful why is all we get
A hug of words in this poem
Is for a Sister we won’t forget.
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