Sherman, Texas -- Ann Marie Nikirk, 57, was called home to join her Heavenly Father on June 23, 2025. She was born in Akron, Ohio, to Patricia and Charles Porpora. Ann attended Hoban High School and later Kent State University, where she studied fashion design. She served in many roles during her lifetime: a teacher, artist, published photographer, business owner, neighbor, friend, and her most treasured role—a mother.
Ann was a lifelong Catholic and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She inspired many through her faith and friendship. She was a charter member of the Preston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and loved studying her ancestry. She connected long-lost family members to one another and documented gravesites to help others fill in the gaps of their lineages.
Ann enjoyed biking, painting, sewing, crafting, exploring the outdoors, and traveling every second she could. Her Facebook page serves as a record of the many places she had the privilege of visiting. Up until the very end, she continued to cross items off her bucket list, including seeing the northern lights in Norway, swimming with manatees, and walking the Holy Lands in Medjugorje. Her catchphrase, “Say yes,” serves as a reminder to us all to live life as she did—with a capital “L.” A verse that captures her spirit can be found in 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Ann was preceded in death by her father, Charles, and her brother, Steve. She is survived by her mother, Patricia; two brothers, Michael and Mark; and two daughters, Madeleine and Julianne.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Waldo Funeral Home Chapel (619 N. Travis Street, Sherman, TX 75090).
Rosary will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church (728 S. Travis Street, Sherman, TX 75090),10:45 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, with Funeral Mass following the rosary at 11:00 a.m.
The final resting place for her cremains will be in Akron, Ohio at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sea Turtle, Inc at https://seaturtleinc.org/ or to your local library.
Online condolence may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com.
