Beverly Nice Fantazzi passed away peacefully in her Arizona home with her family at her side Dec. 23, 2014. Bev was a devoted wife, loving mother, wonderful friend, a tireless volunteer and an involved citizen. Bev's life was full of love and laughter and she shared her zest for life with everyone she met.
Beverly Ann was born in Tacoma, Washington, to Norm and Dee Nice on July 19, 1953. She was the oldest of six children. Her family moved to Fairbanks sometime before her second birthday where she attended Denali Elementary, Main Junior High and Lathrop High School, graduating in 1971. Bev's father died of cancer when she was 16. Throughout high school and college, Bev worked at the Market Basket Bakery and Denali Grocery to help her mother with the expenses of raising a family of six children on her own.
She attended the University of Alaska and graduated with a degree in early childhood. She began work with the State of Alaska's Department of Transportation as planner and coordinated the federally mandated count program. She retired from the state of Alaska after 30 years of employment in 2005. During her years with the state, she made many dear and life long friends.
After retiring, she took a position with the United Way of the Tanana Valley from 2007-2011. In her retirement, Bev enjoyed spending as much time as she could at her winter home in sunny and warm Mesa, Arizona. Bev was an avid walker and enjoyed hikes in the desert and could be seen marching around the streets of Fairbanks, regardless of the weather.
Bev married her partner for life, Vince Fantazzi, in 1981. She loved him and supported him throughout his career as an educator and coach. They had two boys, Matthew and Cosmo. They devoted their lives to raising their children and supporting them in the different sporting venues they were involved in. As a family, they enjoyed camping trips, Midnight Sun Runs, road trips, sports and vacations in Arizona. Planning family events and celebrations was Bev's forte. She enjoyed hosting family holiday dinners and barbecues. She was the hub around which her family and friends rotated.
Bev spent her life in service to others. Her life was centered around God, family, friends and service to the community. Working or playing, she was always organizing, planning and helping others - she was the "Boss." Bev made everyone feel special. To her many friends, she was a true friend who could always be counted on, especially when most needed. She was godmother to nine godchildren, an undertaking she took seriously. She coached cross-country running at the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks and formed many lifelong relationships with her runners.
As her boys made their way through the Catholic Schools, Bev supported the school in various capacities. She was the president of the PTO, ran the concession stand at sporting events, painted classrooms and the gym, volunteered as a reader, was a constant presence at the annual HIPOW auction and co-chaired the event in 2000 and 2001. She served as a Eucharistic minister at Immaculate Conception Church and was a member of the Sunrisers Rotary Club. Bev was committed to the community of Fairbanks.
Bev is preceded in death by her father, Norm; mother Dee; mother-in-law Jerri Fantazzi; brother-in-law Tom Fantazzi; and son Cosmo. She is survived by her loving husband, Vince; her son, Matthew; sisters, Carmella Richardson and husband Kris; Jenelle Morris; Corrine Hodges and husband Jay; and brothers, Clayton Nice and wife Missy; and Robert Nice; father-in-law, Frank "Yogi" Fantazzi; brother-in-law Frank Fantazzi and wife Maureen; Mike Fantazzi and wife Karen; Joe Fantazzi and wife Laura Jo; nieces and nephews, Kane and Karly Richardson; Shaun and Jenni Rocheleau; Nick and Elizabeth Rocheleau; Ashley Lyon and husband Shawn; Mike Hodges; Stephanie Gable and husband Len; Amy Snyder and husband Mark; Katie Ratliff and husband Chaz; Mike Fantazzi and wife Maria; Angie Fantazzi; Nicole Fantazzi; Caitlin Fantazzi;, Dominic Fantazzi; Christina Fantazzi and Joel Fantazzi.
A celebration of Bev's life will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 3 in Holy Family Chapel at the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks. In lieu of flowers, the family request that you would please make donations to the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks/Monroe Foundation, Inc, P.O. 71620, Fairbanks, AK 99707.