Nicole Elizabeth Apodaca

Nicole Elizabeth (Woods) Apodaca was born on December 11, 1967, the daughter of Donald and Elizabeth Woods in Cambridge, Minnesota. The family moved to Mendota Heights when Nicole was young. She enjoyed participating in youth sports which her dad helped coach. In addition, she participated in a Father Daughter group through the YMCA.  Nicole loved the outdoors and camping with her family at Camp duNord. Nicole attended Henry Sibley High School and graduated in 1986.   She furthered her education at Gustavus Adolphus receiving her degree in Psychology in 1990.  During her time at Gustavus, she studied abroad in Sweden.

After graduating from college she worked at a group home for adults with disabilities.  Later, she moved to Ben Lomond California to work at Mount Cross Lutheran Bible Camp as a Retreat Coordinator.  This is where she met the love of her life Roger Apodaca.  The couple was married on May 22, 2000.  Their daughter, Ingrid, was born in 2004.  The family moved back to Minnesota in 2007 where both Nicole and Roger worked at Mount Carmel Bible Camp.

Nicole loved being a mom.  She enjoyed taking Ingrid to dance classes, vacation bible school, and Girl Scout Boundary Water trips.

Nicole’s job of working with people with disabilities was a gift and her love for the kids and their love for her was infectious.  The last few years she worked as a Para at Alexandria High School. 

Nicole will be remembered for her incredible smile, her love of family, friends, and the outdoors.  She was always prepared for anything with a tote in hand to provide whatever the occasion needed.  

On November 29, 2021, Nicole died after 15 months of fighting cancer.  She is survived by her husband, Roger Apodaca; daughter, Ingrid Apodaca; mother, Betty Woods; father, Don (Margaret) Woods; brother, Justin (Janell) Woods, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.  

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church with the Funeral at 11:00 AM.   In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society, Luther Crest Bible Camp or donors choice.  Masks are required for Nicole's visitation and funeral.  The service will be lived streamed for those unable to attend.