Nancy Jane (Kuzma) Brown

Nancy Jane Kuzma Brown passed away peacefully April 16, 2019 in Noblesville, Indiana at the age of 68, surrounded by a strong circle of loved ones.

Nancy’s warmth, compassion, openness, and generosity drew friends, family, strangers, and animals to her and her to them. She delighted in small pleasures and kindnesses and was quick to laugh. Nancy’s connections to the natural world brought her a deep joy that she was eager to share. She was happiest in the presence of horses -- her beloved Moon, and later Chaz -- and the love she received from them sustained her through times of great loss.

A gifted actress and singer, Nancy began her life’s work in musical theater and television, and as assistant to filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and personal manager for musician, Doc Severinsen.  She was blessed with two beautiful sons and enthusiastically supported the musical career of her older son Andrew, a singer/songwriter based in Phoenix. Her warm presence enlivened a family restaurant in Indiana where she worked for several years. Her close relationships with animals, beginning in childhood in upstate New York, led her to become a caregiver in various veterinary practices and horse barns.

Nancy was born on October 20, 1950 in Binghamton, New York, daughter of Eleanor Ethelreda Kuzma (Knapik) and Michael Alex Kuzma. She joins those who have gone before – her beloved sons, Christopher Jake Brown (1990-2011) and Andrew Duncan Brown (1986-2013); her parents Eleanor and Michael; grandparents Matilda and Andrew Knapik, and John and Teresa Kuzma; uncles, Andrew Knapik, Bernard Knapik, George Kuzma, John Kuzma; aunts, Mary Kuracina and Anna Zalenski.

She is survived by her sisters, Sue Ellen Kuzma of Natick, MA and Sally Kuzma of Milwaukee,WI; brother-in-law, Aaron Godfrey; aunts, Carmie Kuzma, Dorothy Kuzma, Dorothy Knapik, Maxine Knapik, and many cousins.

We are thankful for the opportunity to gather in Nancy's memory on Sunday September 22, 2019 at 4pm at the barn where she spent so much time and felt so at home in the world, in the company of Chaz and other four-legged friends. A second ceremony will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on her birthday, October 20.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made to the Humane Society for Hamilton County,1721 Pleasant Street, STE B, Noblesville, IN 46060.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Bussell Family Funerals, Carmel-Westfield.

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