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Nancy Root Anthony

Date of Death: February 9, 2020

Date of Birth: November 5, 1943

Biography:

Nancy Root Anthony, 76, of Bailey Island passed from this earthly existence into the presence of Lord Jesus on February 9.  Her passing, precipitated by a brain tumor diagnosed in November, 2018, took place quietly and peacefully at her home while in the company of her family.  Born Nancy Arlene Root on November 5, 1943 in Hyannis, Massachusetts she was the daughter of Willard G. and Eunice C. Root. 

Nancy graduated from Mount Notre Dame High School in Reading, Ohio in 1962.  She married David Wright with whom she birthed a daughter Karen.  Nancy graduated from Pensacola Junior College as a Registered Nurse and later continued her education at George Mason University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  Following an unfortunate divorce she practiced her profession in public health and then at the Psychiatric Institute in Washington, DC where she was the Managing Nurse of the Intensive Care Unit.  Upon moving to Maine in 1988 she became a visiting home nurse in Portland, continued this in Baltimore, Maryland and then in Brunswick with Community Health and Nursing Services, retiring in 2012.

A gifted classical pianist, she earned superlative honors in schools and later became the principal pianist at her home church, First Baptist Church of Freeport.  Her gently flowing yet lively expressive playing of sacred music and hymns received wide appreciation.  She was also a skilled and enthusiastic sailor, owning and sailing boats in Florida and the Chesapeake Bay before meeting and marrying her husband John Anthony, who shared her enthusiasm.  Together they cruised the Atlantic coast from Virginia to Canada but mostly sought adventures along the bold, beautiful and perpetually intriguing coast of Maine.  In addition to sailing she enjoyed outdoor sports in all seasons.  Her quieter pastimes included gardening, cooking, reading, sewing, crafts and caring for her pet cats.  A tireless collector of natural material along the shores, she fashioned and gifted to others countless original wreaths, glassware, driftwood and rocks artfully decorated with sea glass, shells, grasses and other marine artifacts.  She particularly sought and treasured the warm companionship of close friends whom she never failed to delight with her surprising interjections of humor. 

Nancy was a loving mother, a devoted wife and above all, a devout follower of Jesus Christ.  She was disciplined in her study, prayer, and faithfulness; a kind, cheerful and sacrificial giver of help to others in need; and eternally grateful for her position as a child of God.  At First Baptist Church Nancy served as a Deaconess, initiated and led a widow’s group and employed her gift of hospitality by chairing the Social Committee.  By volunteering at Care Net and Camp Sunshine she extended her service to others in the greater Maine community.

Nancy is survived by her husband John, daughter Karen Ela and her husband Craig, a sister Maureen Mylander, a brother David Root, a nephew and a niece.

A memorial service for Nancy Anthony is planned for the spring.