NICKI MAE GURNEY LANZA

PANTON — It is with deep sadness that we announce our beloved Nicki Mae Gurney Lanza, age 46, passed away Dec. 18, 2025, at the University of Vermont Medical Center after a brief illness.

Nicki was born in Rutland May 3, 1979. She was the daughter of Paul and Cathy (Leonard) Gurney. She grew up in Brandon, where she received her early education and graduated from Otter Valley Union High School, class of 1997. Nicki began her working career as a waitress at various area restaurants. She later worked for Home Service Store, R.K. Miles, and DR Power Equipment for several years. More recently she was employed by F.W. Webb in customer service.

She loved cheering on her son, niece and nephews at their various sporting events. She was an avid baseball fan and loved the Dallas Cowboys and Taylor Swift. She enjoyed shopping, having fun with her friends, music and dancing, the beach, spending time with her family, and anything pink. Her heart and soul was her son, Tyson. Nicki will always be remembered for her bright, beautiful smile.

She is survived by her son, Tyson John Lanza of Sudbury; a brother, Brian Gurney and his wife Amanda of Rutland; her mother, Cathy Louttit and her husband Eric of North Clarendon; her father, Paul Gurney of Weathersfield; a niece, Kylenne and nephews, Braeden and Teigen; and great niece Briley, her companion Chauncy Barrows of Panton and his son Alex; and former husband, Jay Lanza of Sudbury. She is also survived by her grandmothers Beverly Tiffault of Rhode Island and Jane Harding Gurney of Colorado, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Nicki was predeceased by grandparents Raymond Sr. and Mildred Leonard and grandfather Gordon “Sam” Gurney.

A gathering in celebration of her life will take place, Saturday, Jan. 3, from noon until 2 p.m., at the Brandon American Legion.

A private memorial service for her family will take place at Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home. ◊