Mary Ann Nardei

Mary Ann Nardei, 62, of Camby, IN, died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, at 3:55 a.m. in her home.

Born April 13, 1946, in Charlotte, NC, a daughter of the late Joseph and Matilda (Miller) Cleer, she was a resident of Camby for the past seven years and had formerly resided in Pittsburgh for most of her life. A 1964 graduate of St. Justin's High School, Pittsburgh, Mary Ann enjoyed cooking, reading and traveling. She also loved being with her family and friends. She was a real estate agent for Blackwood Realty, Beaver Falls, PA, for 15 years, retiring in 1995.

Surviving are her husband, Frederick G. Nardei, whom she married Sept. 12, 1964; three children, Frederick G. Nardei Jr., Pittsburgh, PA; Anna Maria Newman, Hobart, IN, and Victoria Riggle, Camby, IN, and two grandchildren, Rebecca Riggle and Stefanie Shoup.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Heartland Crossing Golf Links Clubhouse, Camby, IN.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. Francis Hospice or to the Education Fund for Rebecca Riggle and Stefanie Shoup.

Online condolences are available at www.jonesfamilymortuary.com.

Dear Family and Friends,

It is with sadness and joy that I post this entry. Mary Ann died peacefully in my arms at 3:55 AM Thursday October 9, 2008 . She was surrounded by her granddaughter Rebecca, daughter Victoria, and of course her everlasting loving husband. We prayed together at the end. I sat with her through the night and penned this poem to her as I asked God to be compassionate and take her.

Oh dear God please hear my prayer.
Please take Mary Ann Away from here.
She served you well and made you proud.

Now lift her up above the cloud.

My life will never be the same.

But I will let her go in your holy name.

I love her more than words can say.

I know we will be together again some day.
I thank you for the time we had.

But now her place is with her Dad.

If only I could set you free.
I know your spirit will enlighten me.

And now it's time to say goodbye.

Your leaving me will make me cry.

But I'll be strong to carry on.

Till we are together in the great beyond.

I read this to her and then sang the lyrics that Jimmy Durante made famous the year of our marriage 1964.

I'll see you in my dreams

Hold you in my dreams

Someone took you out of my arms

Still I feel the thrill of your charms

Lips that once were mine

Tender eyes that shine

They will light my way tonight

I'll see you in my dreams

I held her in my arms, I embraced and kissed her and she took one final breath and slipped away peacefully. My prayers had been answered. I called Connie our Hospice nurse and she came within and hour. She called us outside to see the sky. She said it was the most beautiful night she had ever seen. We went outside and the sky was perfectly clear with all the stars brightly shining. Words cannot describe the beauty of it all. My Mary Ann was looking down at us smiling. She is now with the Lord and all her friends and family that have gone before us. I have been blessed. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all the prayers, support and well wishes you all have shone us. Please continue to pray that I and my family have the strength to carry on and make Mary Ann proud.

Mary Ann had specific wishes to honor her passing. There will not be the traditional viewing and bereavement. Her wish is to be cremated and in the near future have a party in her honor to celebrate her life. She also asked that in lieu of flowers those who wished could donate to Caringbridge, St Francis Hospice or to her granddaughters Rebecca and Steffanie's college fund. I will provide more information in a future posting. Please join me in celebrating Mary Ann's life, shed a tear if you will as I am, but be happy for her for she was a very special gift from God.

I love you all,

Fred

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April 13, 1946 - October 9, 2008