Lindsey S. Nicholas

Lindsey Suzanne Nicholas, age 42, of Canton, passed away on November 4, 2026. She was born on April 6, 1984, in Toledo, Ohio, daughter of Cynthia (Curtis) Paterson and Alan Paterson, loving sister of Erin Hill, and devoted mother of Jacob Nicholas.

Lindsey graduated from Walled Lake Western High School with highest honors in the Class of 2002, where she also had the honor of delivering the commencement speech. She continued her education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning her bachelor’s degree in Communications in an impressive three and a half years. Lindsey later pursued her passion for learning at Michigan State University, where she earned a master’s degree in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis.

Lindsey began her career in marketing at ePrize before accepting a position with Google, where she spent 15 years building a successful career. She later took her talents to Pinkerton Security, working in cybersecurity and marketing. Dedicated and hardworking, Lindsey was a forward thinker who enjoyed helping clients find solutions. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and dreamed of one day owning her own business. As a reminder of that goal, she kept a Post-it note on her bathroom mirror that read “Agent L. Enterprises.” Eventually, she turned that dream into reality when she launched Revenue Reality, a business that combined her investigative mindset with her expertise in marketing and business strategy. Lindsey approached business challenges much like an investigation, carefully examining evidence, questioning assumptions, and uncovering the underlying issues to help businesses make informed decisions.

Lindsey was an avid reader, and her love of books was evident in the many that were in bookshelves and scattered around her home. While she would read just about anything, thrillers and crime novels were her favorites. Lindsey also had a great love of music, especially pop artists like Adele, the Backstreet Boys, and Bruno Mars. Music was something she loved sharing with her family, often meeting halfway between Michigan and Kentucky to attend concerts with her son, sister, brother-in-law, and niece. Over the years, they enjoyed many memorable shows together, including seeing The Black Keys on several occasions, two of which (years apart), marked the first concert experience for each of the kids. Lindsey was extremely close to her mom, and they enjoyed sports, shopping, outings, and their love for Jacob.

Lindsey loved to travel, whether for work or pleasure, and welcomed opportunities to explore new places. One of her favorite experiences was a solo trip to Bermuda, where she spent her days relaxing in the sunshine, taking photographs, and reading. She also made wonderful memories traveling with family, including sister trips to Chicago and Cleveland, a "Hill/Nicholas" vacation to Gulf Shores, a trip to Hawaii with her mom and son, and family vacation to Disney topping them off. Of all the places she visited, Pentwater, Michigan, held a special place in her heart, as it was her maternal grandparents' home since before her birth. Lindsey was an enthusiastic University of Michigan sports fan and looked forward to game days in Ann Arbor, especially the excitement of cheering on her favorite football team at the Big House.

Above all else, Lindsey’s greatest love was her family, especially her son, Jacob, who was the center of her world from the moment he was born. She loved being his mom and treasured every stage of his life. When he was young, she spent countless hours reading to him and singing “My Beautiful Boy” by Celine Dion. She never stopped leaving sweet notes for him to find throughout the house. Lindsey was incredibly proud of Jacob and never missed an opportunity to brag about him. She was his biggest supporter, always cheering him on from the sidelines at his soccer and football games. She took a genuine interest in the things he loved, and no outing or special occasion was complete without a selfie together. As Jacob grew older, Lindsey understood the importance of giving him the independence to find his own way while making sure he always knew she was there whenever he needed her.

Lindsey was equally loving and devoted as a daughter, sister, and friend. Thoughtful, dependable, and generous with her time, she was someone others could always count on for help or support. Her love also extended to her three dogs, a Cairn Terrier (Rosie) and two rescues (Hailey and Goff), who were cherished members of her family. The ladybug, which Lindsey considered her spirit animal, will forever hold a special meaning for her family and friends. Each time one appears, it will serve as a sweet reminder of Lindsey and the love, laughter, and memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Lindsey is survived by her loving son, Jacob Nicholas; her parents, Cindy Paterson and Alan (Debbie) Paterson; her sister, Erin (Andrew) Hill; her niece, Evan Hill; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

A time of gathering will be held Friday, November 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 777 W. Eight Mile Road, Northville. There will be a luncheon at the church following the service. Rev. Dr. Margie Crawford and Rev. Sarah Wheatley will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Michigan Humane, 2937 E. Grand Blvd., Ste. 800, Detroit, MI 48202 or American Lung Association, 26555 Evergreen Rd., Ste. 540, Southfield, MI 48076.