Obituary of Anita May (Mikkola) Nightingale

It is with deep sadness that the family of Anita May (Mikkola) Nightingale announces her peaceful passing at home on October 4, 2025, at the age of 82, in Oromocto, New Brunswick.

Born on July 19, 1943, in South Porcupine, Ontario, Anita lived a full life defined by her love and care of her husband and four children.

After graduating from South Porcupine High School in 1962, Anita moved to Ottawa to work for the Red Cross, where she met and married her beloved husband, Douglas.

Anita accompanied Doug on numerous military postings across Canada and around the world, with postings in Ottawa, Ontario; Debert, Nova Scotia; Oromocto, New Brunswick; Inuvik, Northwest Territories; and Lahr, Germany (1972–1976 and 1984–1989). 

Throughout these postings, Anita held several progressively responsible civil service positions, culminating in Lahr where she attained a civilian position within the Department of National Defense that was the equivalent of a captain. She had fun inviting her husband to accompany her to the Officers Mess. Anita was simultaneously often called on to care for her young children on her own while Doug was away on short postings and military exercises.

Anita then spent many happy retirement years in Minto, New Brunswick. She enjoyed doing a wide variety of crafts and home decorating projects and caring for her two cats. In her later years, she embraced online shopping, adding all manner of kitchen appliances and gizmos to her repertoire.

Anita is survived by her children, David Nightingale, Donna Archibald and her husband, Brian, Peter Nightingale and his wife, Heather, and Karen Larose and her husband, Les. She was an incredibly proud Nana to Jacob, Kaelyn, Emma, Tyler, and Taylor, whose lives brought her endless joy. She will also be dearly missed by her brother-in-law, Don Nightingale and his wife, Wilma, her sister-in-law, Peggy White and her husband, John, as well as many nephews and nieces.

Anita was predeceased by her late husband of 61 years, Douglas Nightingale, and her parents, Lauri and Milga (May) Mikkola of South Porcupine, Ontario.

In keeping with Anita’s wishes, no formal memorial service will be held. A private family gathering will take place with her remains being placed at the Scotchtown Cemetery, alongside Doug. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.