Nicole Buyela Obituary

Miss Nicole Manyasa Buyela was born on December 7, 2000, at Nairobi Hospital to Mr. James Nyongesa Buyela and Ms. Beatrice Ngina Mulu. She was the beloved younger sister of Mr. Marlon Baraza Buyela, elder sister to Ms. Sandra Nzembi Buyela, and cherished granddaughter to Margaret Wakasa Buyela.
From a young age, Nicole radiated warmth, intelligence, and kindness. Raised in a loving, close-knit family, she developed deep values of compassion, curiosity, and service. Her childhood was filled with laughter, creativity, and strong family bonds - the foundation of her gentle but powerful spirit.
Nicole's academic journey reflected her drive and versatility. She began at Nairobi Kids Kindergarten, then attended Kianda School and Riara Road Primary, completing her KCPE in 2014. She pursued secondary education at GEMS Cambridge International School, where she earned her IGCSE, A-Level Certificate, and a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma. In Washington, USA, she studied at Pierce Community College, where she was preparing to graduate in June 2025.
Nicole's life was grounded in faith. She received her first Holy Communion at St. Austin's Church in Muthangari, during her time at Kianda School, and was given her baptismal name Rachel. While in the U.S., she nurtured her spirituality privately and with grace. Her kindness and inner strength reflected a heart anchored in compassion and prayer.
Those who knew Nicole remember her as a bright light - full of joy, empathy, and generosity. She had a special love for children and animals, often caring for stray pets and younger kids with tenderness and instinctive care. A strong swimmer and avid reader, she found joy in both movement and reflection. She also participated in community causes such as the Mater Heart Run, always eager to support meaningful work.
Nicole had the gift of connection. Her words carried depth, her smile brought comfort, and her presence felt like home. She brought people together - through laughter, conversation, or simply her quiet listening. Her spirit was intuitive, giving, and deeply attuned to the needs of others.
On Friday, May 1, 2025, Nicole was discovered unresponsive in her apartment after a joyful day with friends. She was rushed to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia and admitted to the ICU. Despite ten days of intensive care, prayers, and love from those around her, Nicole passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025.
The medical cause of her passing remains under investigation. While the loss is immeasurable, her legacy lives on - in memories, in those she loved, and in the quiet grace she offered to the world.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
- Revelation 21:4"