We have a picture in our home taken in 1946 at the wedding of Julie Novak and Mickey Bertanzetti. Three-year-old Nancy is in that picture. Aunt Nina has been a big part of Nancy's life, actually since Nancy's birth. And vice versa. I met Nina and Mickey in 1967, and it was quickly obvious to me that Nancy held a special place in her heart for both. They drove from Pennsylvania to Alabama to visit us, and especially our children, often. And, of course, we made no visit to Pennsylvania without dropping in on Nina and Mickey.

Mickey died 29 years ago. Since then Nina has lived alone in her home in Cresson and has been a constant and reliable companion to her many nieces and nephews, their children, and her dear friends. She worked in her beer store until her 81st year. Amazing! She always had a kind word for anyone willing to stop and talk to her. A few weeks ago Nina learned that she had cancer in her left kidney and required surgery. She had that surgery at Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh on April 3, and for a few days seemed to be recovering well. But there were complications. Nina passed away on Wednesday, April 9, just 4 days short of her 91st birthday. I think every member of her extended family and her many friends attended her funeral Mass the following Monday.

It seems way to simple to say she'll be missed by Nancy and me. She lived a good life and was supportive and encouraging to anyone she came in contact with. She will be missed. Nancy took this picture, one of my favorites of Nina, in September 2012.