Madelaine Bigelow, 72, Loved Tennis and Sailing

Madelaine Brown Bigelow, 72, died at her home in North Carolina on Nov. 6.

Mickey will be remembered for her warmth, humor and love of life. She was an avid reader and an excellent thinker who always enjoyed a good debate. She was also a devoted and loving mother and a thoughtful sister and friend.

A talented and competitive tennis player, Mickey was a sought-after doubles partner. Her grace, power and speed on the court were admired by many, and her opponents always feared her stinging serve. Another joy for Mickey was sailing. She inherited a love of the water from her father, and during her summers on Martha's Vineyard Island she raced for the Edgartown Yacht Club. She could often be seen sailing in Island waters with family and friends.

Throughout her life, Mickey pursued her love of the arts. She adored singing and playing the piano, especially with her sisters and cousins. Mickey enjoyed painting and had a wonderful sense for color and landscapes. Later in life she also became an excellent weaver. Her rag rugs are treasured by all who have them.

Mickey was born and raised in Providence, R.I., where she attended Wheeler School. She was graduated from Smith College in 1952. After college she worked for the federal government in Washington, D.C., where she met her first husband, John Scott. They raised three children together, living first outside of New York city and then in Chapel Hill, N.C. They were divorced in 1965, whereupon Mickey returned to the Northeast with her children. She later married Talman Bigelow and together they had one child. She and Tom settled in Seekonk, where they launched Tom's boat building business. In 1974 they moved to the coast of Maine and bought a small farm in Brooksville. There she enjoyed tending her vegetable and flower gardens, playing tennis and sailing. They moved to a house on Blue Hill Bay in 1997 and went on to winter in Naples, Fla., to be near family. In May of 2002, Mickey was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment in both Maine and Florida before moving to Chapel Hill, N.C., this past spring to be near three of her children. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her.

A funeral service will be held in Naples, Fla., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Trinity by the Cove in Port Royal. A memorial service will also be held in Blue Hill, Me., this summer. Memorial donations in Mickey's name may be made to your local Hospice chapter.