It is with profound sadness and shock that MPA acknowledges the loss of our Board Secretary, Nicole Eaton, whose life was tragically taken Thursday night, December 6th.

Nicole was active in the Missouri Paralegal Association, where she served as board Secretary as well as co-chairing our Communications Committee, and with the Kansas City Paralegal Association, where she was the Professional Development Director. She additionally was a member in the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) where she was a committee member. A distinguished Certified Paralegal with expertise in civil litigation, bankruptcy, and general legal practice, Nicole upheld the highest standards of professionalism throughout her legal career of 25 years and was a trusted asset to the attorneys and clients for whom she worked, as well as to us.

Although new to her position as Secretary this year, Nicole brought her drive for excellence to the Executive team, and took on the role with humor, humility, grace, and passion. She was instrumental in helping keep the Board on track in the challenges that have faced MPA in 2024. Her presence as a colleague and friend is already sorely missed.

True to her giving nature, Nicole also enjoyed volunteering with animal rescue groups, innocence projects committees, and assisting on community and local church committees. Married for 19 years, Nicole was the proud mother of three adult children, and a proud grandmother. In addition, Nicole was the loving parent of four fur-children and one fur-grandchild. Our hearts and thoughts go out to her family and friends as we join in mourning her loss.