Nicole “Nikki” Busch
August 10, 1960 to April 25, 2023
Nicole “Nikki” Busch, devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and brilliant writer/editor died Tuesday, April 25, 2023 unexpectedly at home of natural causes alongside her wife Barb.
Nikki was born August 10, 1960, in New York City to Renee Busch (née Moskowitz) and the late Robert Busch, both teachers at the time. She was the middle child of three siblings, Jeff Busch and Linda Busch-Somach. Nikki spent her first 13 years living in the Bronx before her family moved to Fair Lawn, NJ in 1973. Nikki graduated from Fair Lawn High School Class of 1978 where she was a gifted member of an elite chorus group, The Choraliers. Nikki sang alto but could fill in for tenor and sing almost anything in any style. She began as a classic rocker, with her teenage bedroom adorned with posters of Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Nikki was an original punk rocker (before it was cool).
She was a special fan of poet and vocalist Patti Smith, forever changing her hair color and style. She was also a big fan of Freddie Mercury and the band Queen, with two of her favorite songs being “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Fat Bottomed Girls.” Nikki attended William Paterson University for 2 years where she was lead singer of a punk rock band and interviewed emerging bands, such as The Ramones, via the college radio station. She then transferred to Rutgers University where her gift as a writer flourished, graduating with a B.A. in English. After graduating from Rutgers, Nikki launched a 30-year career as a writer in the Advertising Industry. She won a prestigious award for her work on behalf of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. She was a respected employee at numerous pharmaceutical advertising agencies, including one where she authored the hilarious Barbie’s Letter to Santa, awarded “Best Letter to Santa” before going viral on the Internet in December 1996 and again in 2008.
Twelve years ago, Nikki left the corporate world to launch Nikki Busch Editing, editing more than 300 books and publications, many of which became bestsellers and award winners in their respective genres. She also brought her child Max into the field of copyediting, collaborating with them on various editing projects. She was a Founding Member of the Association of Independent Publishing Professionals, a Membership Coordinator for the LGBTQ+ Editors Association, and belonged to ACES: The Society for Editing, the Golden Crown Literary Society, and the Editorial Freelancers Association. She was also active in many online editing communities where she was highly respected by her peers for her ability to embrace and fight for diversity, inclusiveness, and social justice, values that were instilled from an early age in her family. In 2015, she co-authored Love Times Two: A Double Dose of Romance for Valentine’s Day with fellow author and friend, Cindy Rizzo. Her poems have been published in the anthologies Unwrap These Presents, Delectable Daisies, Sappho’s Corner Poetry Anthology, Our Wonderful Country, Caret, and i.e.
In addition to her many professional interests, Nikki enjoyed kayaking and vacationing in Maine with her wife, Barb. Together they were devoted dog-moms of Fresca, a spunky rescued mixed breed. Nikki also enjoyed Qigong, yoga, collecting crystals, and spending time in nature.
Nikki was predeceased by her father, Robert “Bob” Busch. She is survived by her beloved wife Barb Lemasters, mother Renee Busch, child Max Moshiri (aka Mariel) and their spouse Dan Coleman, brother Jeff Busch, sister Dr. Linda Busch-Somach, and dear niece Irina Somach.
A Memorial Service will be held from 12-3 pm Sat. May 6, 2023, at the Cochran Funeral Home 905 High St. Hackettstown, NJ 07840
www.cochranfuneral.com.
An informal Shiva will be held at the home of Renee Busch in Fair Lawn, NJ Sunday May 7 from 1 pm-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ehlers-Danlos Society (EDS) https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/ or The Trevor Project at www.thetrevorproject.org/
7 Condolences for Busch, Nicole “Nikki”
Condolences(7)
Eva Kelly Hall says
May 2, 2023 at 2:28 pmI never met Nikki in real life, but she was a trusted advisor and confidante to me in several editing spaces online. I hoped we would have many more years together, as we all did. May her memory always be for a blessing.
Molly McCowan says
May 2, 2023 at 3:51 pmI’ve known Nikki for years, mostly via online groups for editors. I always admired her tenacity—she never stayed silent when it came time to fight for what was right. We shared a love of rock music, and we had recently lamented the fact that Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass LPs are still *everywhere* when you’re looking for new vinyl. The entire editorial community is reeling from this loss. I will truly miss her, and I wish her loved ones peace and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
Jennifer Della'Zanna says
May 2, 2023 at 7:01 pmI’m so very sorry for your loss. We in her editing community will miss her so much. I have made donations to both EDS and The Trevor Project in her memory.
Maria D'Marco says
May 3, 2023 at 4:30 pmNikki was one of those constants in life that rang true. She will be missed as a vibrant energy and sincere, far-reaching voice for integrity and diversity. My heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and all those who cared for and supported her.
Stephen Goldhahn says
May 3, 2023 at 8:29 pmI wish to extend my deepest condolences for the sudden loss of your beloved Nikki. Together we mourn, for it is most assuredly the world’s loss, as well. As an independent author, I greatly valued and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working with Nikki over these past ten years. Her professionalism and dedication to her craft were unsurpassed. But beyond this, Nikki was truly a pleasure to know. A good friend and confidant. Her sudden passing has surely left a gaping hole in the heart and soul of the independent writing and publishing community which she so fervently supported. Nikki had much to give and will be sorely missed. May God bless, comfort, and sustain you in your loss.
George Leonard says
May 4, 2023 at 12:14 amI knew Nikki as a valued and respected parishioner of the Waterloo Methodist Church located at Waterloo State Park in Byram N.J. She was a good friend to all and will be missed by the entire congregation.
Margie plunkett says
May 5, 2023 at 7:09 pmI’m so sorry barb for your loss. I knew Nikki through you. She was always very sweet and kind. And, dedicated. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I have u in my prayers and sending light and love your way.
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