Nicoletta Ingianni
Obituary
Nicoletta “Nikki” Ann Ingianni died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends,
on November 29, 2024. Nikki lived life to the fullest and, with the support of her
daughter, Elizabeth, she bravely battled cancer for 3 years.
Nikki was born on December 20, 1951, to Salvatore and Josephine Leone. She was
raised in Manhattan and always loved New York City. After graduating from SUNY New
Paltz and obtaining a Master’s Degree at Columbia University, Nikki taught elementary
school in New York.
In 1997, Nikki, her husband Marty, and their daughter Elizabeth, moved to New Bern,
NC, where they loving restored their beautiful, historic home. Nikki quickly became
active in the community and taught at a local elementary school. She was always
passionate about helping others and loved to teach children to read. Nikki followed this
passion and founded The Little Red Bookmobile, where she tutored and developed
summer programs in underserved communities for nine years, forgoing a salary and
often using her own funds.
Nikki moved to Maryland to be near her daughter three years ago. She loved watching
the birds on her balcony and enjoying the view of the Greenbelt National Park. Nikki
also loved spending time in nature at the cabin that she and her daughter renovated in
Smallwood, NY.
Nikki was predeceased by her husband Marty and leaves behind her beloved daughter
Elizabeth. She is also survived by her "adopted daughter of the heart” Pauletta Brown,
her sister Mamie Santos, brother in law Frank Santos, nephew and niece Michael
(Amanda) and Samantha Santos, her devoted cat, Bright Eyes, and many dear friends.
The family will receive friends on Thursday 12/5/24 from 2-5 and 6-8pm at Peter Jarema Funeral Home.
Religious Service will begin at 5:30pm
Burial will be at 10:30am at First Calvary Cemetery on Friday December 6th.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nikki’s name to your local library.