Nancy Croll Reichle

Nancy Croll Reichle, 58, of Pittsboro, North Carolina died peacefully on June 10, 2018. Nancy began her journey with breast cancer in 2006, and was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in 2010. Although she had been undergoing treatment for MBC for eight years, her sudden death Sunday morning was unexpected.

Nancy was born August 12, 1959 in Fayetteville to Merle Buie Reichle and the late Neal Reichle. A graduate of Terry Sanford High School and High Point College, she pursued a master’s degree at Fayetteville State University and ultimately received her Ph.D in special education at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Nancy’s long career in special education included classroom teaching, working with families, and, for the bulk of her career, working with the UNC TEACCH Autism Program. For the last 12 years of her working life, she was the director of The Carolina Living and Learning Center (CLLC), a residential and vocational program for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In 1988, Nancy met her future spouse, Tanya Carter-Reichle. In 1995 they welcomed their first daughter, Carmen, and in 1997, their daughter Maria was born. It would be impossible to overstate the happiness pride, and devotion Nancy felt for her family, which also included many beloved pets.

Nancy was a passionate advocate for people with autism and other disabilities and was humbled by the dedication of the Nancy Reichle Sensory Room at the CLLC. Additionally, in honor of her efforts to make available a specialized retreat for adults with ASD, the Reichle Apartments at Kure Beach were established.

Outside of work, Nancy and her family enjoyed spending time at the beach and in the mountains. She derived great joy from children and animals and was a devoted friend, a patient and skilled listener, and a creative problem solver. Nancy was an ardent, lifelong Carolina basketball fan. She was happiest spending time with family and friends and pursuing activities including hiking, tennis, and swimming.

In addition to Tanya, Carmen, and Maria, Nancy is survived by her mother Merle Reichle, her sister Susan Mason, her niece Lauren Thorn (husband Justin, children Davis and Bethany) and her nephew Alan Mason (wife Rachel, children James and Grant). Nancy is also survived by her uncles Peter Reichle (Mary), John Buie (Mary), Neil Buie (Claudia), her aunt June Reichle, her parents-in-law, Tony and Janet Carter, and many heartbroken cousins, extended family members, friends, and her beloved support dog Riley.

The family is grateful to the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, especially for the care she received over many years from Leeza Park and Claire Dees.

Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s memory to the following non-profit organizations:

METAvivor (the sole organization in the US funding MBC research. 100% of donations go toward supporting grants for MBC research). www.metavivor.org

Safe Passage (bringing hope, education, and opportunity to children and families living around the Guatemala City dump). www.safepassage.org

GHA Autism Supports (providing quality, community services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder).  www.ghaautismsupports.org  

A memorial service is planned for 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 1 at the Community Church of Chapel Hill (106 Purefoy Road). Nancy requested folks come to her memorial service in comfortable, casual clothes.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Cremation is honored to serve the Reichle family.