ROCKLAND — Nancy E. Mace Fuschini, 56, died March 13, 2016, surrounded by her loving family and circle of friends, following a period of declining health, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Rockland on March 31, 1959, she was the daughter of Frank II and Lorraine Ouellette Mace. Educated locally, she graduated from Rockland District High School a year early, but considered herself a member of the Class of 1977.

Following high school, Nancy followed her heart to warmer weather, beginning her career in the restaurant business in Florida. Raising her daughter there as a single mom, she worked diligently to provide a good life. When her grandchildren came along, she loved nothing more than spending time with them. She was fiercely devoted to her family, and they returned to Maine every summer, spending their days in the salt air here. Maine was always “home” to her.

Moving back permanently with her daughter and grandchildren in 2010, she continued her bar-tending career, and was the smiling face behind the bar at several local restaurants. Nancy is remembered as having the “gift of gab,” making friends easily wherever she went. She was a rebel at heart with a spitfire attitude and was a force to be reckoned with. She was a shining light in the lives of all who loved her.

Nancy loved being outdoors in the sunshine. She was an avid golfer, playing whenever she could, and she loved to go bike riding. She took every opportunity she could to go to the beach, and especially enjoyed attending the North Atlantic Blues Festival, or just listening to the blues.

She will be sadly missed.

Predeceased by her parents; and a brother, Frank E. Mace III; Nancy is survived by her daughter, Christie Banow and her husband, Andrew, of Rockport; three grandchildren, Mason Thomas, Levi Thomas and Fisher Thomas, all of Rockport; her companion, Greg Howard of Owls Head; a sister, Marcella Mace-Christensen and her husband, Cliff, of Camden; a brother, Mark Mace of Portland; a nephew, Todd Christensen of Camden; as well as many loving friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Nancy's Birthday, Thursday, March 31 from 1 to 4 p.m., at Rockland Golf Club, 606 Old County Road in Rockland.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.