Millie (Fantini) Battistini, 84, peacefully passed away Jan. 30, at Anna Jaques Hospital in after a brief illness.
Born in Haverhill in 1930, she was the daughter of the late Alfred Fantini and Mildred (Zakarosky) Fantini.
Battistini was raised and educated in Haverhill. She attended Bridgewater State College, graduated from Lowell Teachers College and began a career as a life-long teacher.
Battistini was married to her sweetheart, Fred Battistini, in 1952. They enjoyed raising their four children in a friendly and close knit Bradford neighborhood. Summers spent at Seabrook Beach were treasured by the family, many neighbors and friends. They left Bradford for Newburyport in 1994 to live next to their two daughters and their families. They were a passionately close family who enjoyed countless meals, precious beach days, and nightly Jeopardy tournaments. Battistini frequently volunteered as a “Rotary Angel” during her husband’s long-time membership in the Rotary Club of Haverhill.
Millie will be remembered for her quick wit and magnetic personality. Her spaghetti and meatballs and minestrone were legendary. She was an avid reader and had sharp and perceptive political views. Her hospitality was well appreciated throughout Bradford, Seabrook Beach and later Newburyport. She was a member of the Haverhill Retired Teachers Association and a past president of the Haverhill Rotary Anns.
Battistini was predeceased by her husband Fred in 1912, and her sister, Frances Fantini Triventi in 2013. She is survived by her loving and devoted sister, Marilyn Fantini George and her husband Robert. Her children, Frederick (Rick) Battistini Jr. and his wife Michele of Tewksbury, Risa Harrington and husband Daniel of Newburyport, Matthew Battistini and Diane Martinec of Seabrook Beach, N.H., and Andria Kapp and husband Steven of Newburyport. She was especially proud of her of her adored grandchildren, Risa and Adam Kapp and Nina Harrington, all of Newburyport. She also leaves treasured nieces and nephews, Marilyn and Kevin Shrout, and Steven, Frank, and Sandra George.
Calling hours were Friday, Feb. 6 at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. The Saturday funeral was private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Arc of Greater Haverhill/Newburyport, 57 Wingate Street, Suite 301, Haverhill, MA 01832.