Nancy Bucklin

Nancy Nicks Bucklin, beloved wife, mother, stepmother, sister, aunt, and gifted musician, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in New Holland, Pennsylvania, at the age of 82. She was born on May 14, 1943, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Gus and Lois Nicks. She grew up in Vinton, Virginia, surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains that would instill in her a lifelong love of nature.

Nancy possessed an extraordinary musical gift from an early age. She pursued that calling at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where she refined her vocal talent as a soprano, and later continued her studies at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her exceptional voice carried her to performances across the United States, Europe, and South America, where she sang in many styles and languages, sharing beauty, devotion, and joy through music.

Nancy later served as a featured soloist with several church choirs, including Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. It was at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian that she met her husband, James "Jim" Bucklin, and together they shared a deep and abiding bond rooted in faith, music, and love.

Never content to stop learning or serving, Nancy eventually returned to school to become a music therapist, offering comfort, peace, and healing to many through her work. Her music ministry was not only a profession but an expression of her faith and compassion. 

Outside of music and family, Nancy found profound joy in the natural world. She cherished the Blue Ridge Mountains, treasured the National Parks across the United States, and delighted in the simple wonders of daily life. At her home in Broomall, Pennsylvania, she lovingly tended her garden, admired her trees and flowers, and befriended the birds and squirrels who shared her yard - a small sanctuary she deeply loved.

After more than forty years in Broomall, Nancy moved to Garden Spot Village in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she formed meaningful friendships and found great joy continuing her lifelong love of music as a member of the choirs at Garden Spot Village.

Nancy's life was marked by grace, kindness, faith, and song. During her decades with breast cancer, Nancy continued to live fully and with great inner strength. Through her voice and warm spirit, she left a legacy of beauty and love that continues to resonate in the hearts of those who knew her.

Nancy was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her son, Brian Bucklin (Caitlin); her stepchildren, Thomas Bucklin and Michele Curtis (Paul); and her niece, Teresa Pregnall (Herb). She was preceded in passing by her parents, Gus and Lois Nicks; her husband, James Bucklin; her sister, Faye Thacker (John); and her stepchildren, Jim Bucklin and Joe Bucklin (Diane).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's memory can be made to Susan G. Komen to support breast cancer research.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S Kinzer Ave, New Holland, PA at 10 AM, with the memorial service to follow at 11 AM.