Renee C. Niles

Renee C. Niles

Formerly of Nineveh

It is with shattered hearts we share that Renee C. Niles passed away in San Diego California, where she was a graduate student, on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

There are no words to express the depth of our grief. This beautiful daughter, caring sister, loving partner, and brilliant woman is now in Heaven, surrounded by the angels. Her family loved her deeply and without reservation.

Renee is survived by her parents, Ann & Lou Fattarusso and Carl & Terri Niles; her siblings Travis Niles (Cathy Walker), Hollie Van Der Heide (Jim), Jon Niles, Josiah Niles, Bethany Niles (Kevin Keesler); and her wonderful partner, David George, who gave Renee the happiest two years of her adult life. Renee is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Judith Poole; two nieces, Rory and Ella; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Renee was known for her intellect, her many talents, and love for exploring the world.  Growing up, she shared her gifts of piano music with her Nineveh church community. As an adult, she found a love for travel and exploring nature, adding surfing and scuba diving and desert hiking to her list of passions. Renee and David were looking forward to a trip to Yellowstone National Park this fall.

Renee also found joy in simple acts of togetherness. She relished long game nights with her siblings and later, her lab mates in graduate school.  She enjoyed walking the beach reveling in the joy of discovering a bounty of seashells with her sister, Bethany. They were looking forward to their next shell trip to Sanibel Island, FL this spring.  Renee loved the beach where she could let her mind run free and experience the excitement of each seashell or sand dollar she found. 

Renee earned her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Rochester and her Masters from the University of California at San Diego, where she was pursuing her doctorate in chemistry. She published academic papers (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1184054) and was on track to complete her PhD in 2025.  Her brilliance, curiosity, and work ethic earned her admiration from her professors and peers.

One of Renee’s passions was to help make this world a better place. An adoptee herself, she wanted to give joy and care to others. She assisted with hosting special needs orphans from China,  and volunteered  two weeks of service in an orphanage.  Nearer to home, she also greatly enjoyed the Nineveh Presbyterian Church “Christ’s Bounty” outreach, helping to deliver Meals on Wheels during summer breaks from college, volunteer dog walking, beach clean ups in California, and tutoring high school students.  

Her family invites all who knew her to honor her memory through acts of service, and love for one another.  

Memorial services will be held at Nineveh Presbyterian Church 2997 NY-7 on Sat. Apr. 27, 2024 at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow.  All are invited.  Rev. Allen Presby, Pastor, will officiate.  Burial will be in Nineveh Presbyterian Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may make memorial contributions to: Nineveh Presbyterian Church PO Box 115 Nineveh, NY 13813.  Online condolences may be made at:   www.omaddenfh.com.  Arrangements by the Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home 69-71 Maple Street Harpursville.  A MADDEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Renee C. Niles, please visit our floral store.