PROSPECT – Bianca “Mary” Nightingale died July 26, 2009, at a Belfast hospital. She was born March 29, 1927, in Naples, Italy, the daughter of Prof. Dott. Carlo and Maria Martelli. Growing up in Naples, she had a classical education, as well as three years of medical school. A trained pianist, she gave several recitals as a young woman. She married Richard Nightingale Aug. 19, 1953. Moving to Maine in 1954, she began a life of home making and community service. Her service included a term on the Prospect board of selectmen, work as lay minister at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Bucksport, political campaign worker, and 31 years on the Board of Directors of Bucksport Regional Health Center. An intelligent, vivacious, outgoing person with an infectious smile, who genuinely liked people, she made and maintained many close friendships over her lifetime. Those lucky enough to know Mary and be welcomed by her kindness and generosity recognized her as a little woman with a lot of heart. Her sense of optimism, mischief and joie de vivre had no rival. As a mother, she taught her children by example to notice and appreciate the opportunities available for fun and wonder in the world, often drawing upon her unwaveringly strong faith to teach that perspective. For the past 30 years her main recreational interests revolved around Maine Hockey. An avid fan, she traveled extensively to watch “her boys,” and in that time developed close relationships with members of the hockey community. In addition to her husband, Richard, she is survived by her children, Neil Nightingale of Mobile, Ala., April Nightingale of Prospect, Lisa and son-in-law, Daniel Hickey, of Norridgewock; two granddaughters, Kayleigh and Kelsey Hickey of Norridgewock; a sister and brother, Grazia and Mario Martelli of Naples, Italy. She was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Giulio; and infant son, Don Albert Nightingale. There will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be concelebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Bucksport, by Fathers Jack O’Hara and Bruce Siket. A light collation and period of fellowship will be offered immediately after the service. Burial and graveside services will be at Hodgdon Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 28 Elm St., Bucksport. Condolences and memories may be shared at mtfh@gwi.net
BIANCA ‘MARY’ NIGHTINGALE
