Nilka Mickey

On Thursday evening, December 28, 2023, Nilka Mickey chose to start her life at the next iteration. Today, we share memories of our loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend.

Nilka Mickey was born on March 9, 1966, in New York to their mother, Febel Guzman, and her late father, Guillermo Cotto-Ortiz, who preceded her to his forever rest in 2003. On April 29, 2000, Nilka married Lamar Mickey, and together they had four children, Kevin Mercado, Doniele Bush, Makayla Mickey, and Jaden Mickey.

She worked for over 30 years in the legal field as a legal assistant and, for the last 18 years, for Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, a patent law firm in Irvine, California.

Nilka was an amazing woman who had a zest and zeal for life and for her family. She reminded us that life is precious and every day counts and to see every day as brand new because we had never seen this day before! Her fight to be healthy started before her diagnosis. She made sure everyone she loved was aware of the good choices to make, starting with one meal at a time. Her newfound health journey took her to another level of energy that would help push her to conquer this last season of her journey.

Nilka had a peace about her that resonated through how she faced life and the challenges that came her way. She faced this journey with strength, dignity, and infectious positivity. Nilka left her footprint on so many hearts! She led with love in all that she did, and we are all better because we knew her. We will forever hold her close, dear and near.

Nilka is survived by her husband, Lamar Mickey, and her children, Kevin Mercado (wife Suzan McGurk-Mercado), Doniele Bush, Makayla Mickey & Jaden Mickey. Grandchildren Zoe, Rhaenyra and Jacaerys Mercado. Her mother, Febel Guzman, and brothers Johnny Martinez, William Roque, Willie Cotto, Edwin Cotto, Vincent Cotto, Omar Cotto, and Christopher Cotto. Sisters, Alice Martinez, Yvette Hernandez, Edith Cotto and Kim Cotto-Taylor (husband, James Taylor), sister-in-love Janae Mickey, nephew Dominic Mickey, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles from both the Guzman and Cotto families, close friends, and her beloved fur baby, Sammy.

The family is asking that all guests wear shades of purple for the funeral service.