Domnelia "Nellen" Regal Budd

Jun 2, 1946 -

Feb 4, 2025

Domnelia "Nellen" Regal Budd, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, public servant and cherished member of the Anchorage community, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on June 2, 1946, in Manila, Philippines. She met and married Lawrence "Larry" Budd, moving to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1975, where they would raise their three sons. After Larry's passing in 1993, Nellen faced the challenges of single parenthood with strength, resilience and an unwavering commitment to her family. Her career was defined by a deep dedication to public service. In 1984, she began working in the Anchorage Mayor's Office under Mayor Tony Knowles, where she became the face and voice of City Hall for 25 years. She and her longtime colleague, Judy Tymick, played an instrumental role in connecting residents with city resources, ensuring that every caller and visitor felt heard and valued. Nellen's warmth, professionalism and dedication to service left a lasting impact on the Municipality of Anchorage. After retiring from the Mayor's Office in 2009, she continued her service in government by working in Senator Mark Begich's Anchorage office until her retirement in 2013. Nellen was an active volunteer who believed deeply in giving back to her community. She was particularly involved with the Maharlika Filipino Organization, where she was a cultural ambassador, emcee and a vibrant presence at events. Known as "Lola" to her grandchildren and Tita Len to many others, she took great pride in sharing her Filipino heritage and fostering connections within the community. Beyond her professional and civic engagement, Nellen was most proud of her family. She instilled the values of service and dedication in her sons and daughter-in-law, who all served in the U.S. military: Eric Budd and his spouse, Kay Budd, both served in the Alaska Air National Guard; Earl Budd (spouse Lynne) served in the U.S. Marine Corps; and Evan Budd (spouse Mindy) serves in the Alaska Air National Guard. She adored her seven grandchildren: Tyler, Caleb, Zoe, Devan, Zachary, Riley and Connor (Jackson); and her great-grandchild, Francesca. In retirement, Nellen found joy in traveling, spending time with friends across Alaska and the Lower 48, and making cherished memories with her family.

A funeral service will be held on Feb. 21, 2025, at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Anchorage, with Viewing from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Funeral Mass at 12 p.m., and Celebration of Life from 2-6 p.m.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed via the St. Benedict's Catholic Church Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/stbenedictsak.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alaska Warrior Partnership in honor of Nellen's sons' and daughter-in-law's military service. Nellen's legacy of kindness, resilience and service will continue to live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a bright, shining star in the hearts of all who knew her.