Nancy Kristen Buch Whitely, 54, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on October 7, 2022. Nancy was born on August 12, 1968, in Danbury, Connecticut, to Robert Hansen Buch and Joan Sylvia Dion Buch.

Nancy grew up and attended primary, middle, and high school in Newtown, Connecticut, and earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University in 2009. Nancy trained at the Culinary Institute of America and was the founder and owner of The Busy Bee Personal Chef Service.

Nancy had a tireless passion for giving service to others, writing, rehabilitating wildlife, cooking and serving delicious food, and spreading cheer. She was truly a joy and a light for all around her. She devoted much time and energy to helping women overcome addiction, fair treatment and opportunity for women parolees, and The Exonerated Project. She was published in an anthology of short stories edited by Wally Lamb, went on a national book tour, and appeared on Good Morning America and 60 Minutes. At home Nancy would often get up every four hours to feed young rescued wildlife without complaint. In the community she reached out to, befriended, helped, fed, and entertained any and all. She has an endless list of friends to remember her with love and gratitude.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her three sisters: Martha Richter of Bradford, Rhode Island, Kathleen McKee of Newtown, Connecticut, and Janet Downes of Kent, Connecticut; brother Peter Buch of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and daughter Catherine Cole of Greenwich, Connecticut.

A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on December 18, 2022, from 2 to 4 pm at the Alexandria Room, Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470. Family and friends are welcome to attend and share fond memories and stories.