Nancy Lee Nosti

Nancy Hoelzel Nosti passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on March 19, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, the third child of Theodore and Gertrude Hoelzel.

Nancy was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She treasured the people in her life and the garden she lovingly tended for decades. She found deep joy in life’s small pleasures and was known for her humor and curiosity—once delightfully declaring, while enjoying her first beer in Germany in 2016, “I should have started to drink beer sooner!!” Her ever-present smile and boundless energy to get things done were hallmarks of her life.

Nancy attended Westport High School where she was named Dream Girl and Homecoming Queen Senior year. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. While at KU, she met her husband, Juan Nosti, who was then a general surgery resident. Their life together was shaped by medical training that took them to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later to Paris—an early and treasured highlight of their marriage. It was also during this time that Nancy firmly established her role as the family’s trusted and talented financial manager.

After Juan completed his training, they returned to Kansas City to begin raising their family. As their home filled with children, it also became a vibrant gathering place—welcoming, warm, and generous, fueled by Nancy’s kindness and gracious spirit. She was a phenomenal cook, mastering traditional Argentine recipes and eagerly learning French fare from local chefs. Never one to turn anyone away, countless holidays, birthdays, and celebrations were joyfully hosted in the home she lived in for more than 50 years until her passing. These memories will be cherished by family and friends alike.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband, Juan Nosti; her four children: John Nosti (Peggy Nosti), Andrew Nosti (Courtney Nosti), Patrick Nosti (Hanae Nosti), and Elizabeth Kettlewell (Mark Kettlewell); and her eight beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Phyllis Diekman, Grace Albano, and Kathy Trapp, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Gertrude Hoelzel.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to their many friends for their love, support, and for sharing memories of Nancy—through which her generosity and kindness will continue to live on.