Nancy Grasso's Obituary
Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:EN-CA;}A Heart of GoldNancy was the picture of strength and determination from the moment she was born. Weighing in at less than two pounds at birth, two months premature, she fought for every precious breath. This very early experience would guide her life: she learned to cherish each fleeting moment, to appreciate the company of others and share the boundless joy of that powerful heart. Born and raised in Florida, Nancy inherited her feisty spirit from her mother, the indomitable Bettie Tucker. Under Bettie’s disciplined guidance, Nancy matured into a sweet, gracious young lady. Demure, that is, right up until someone tried to ‘’mess’’ with someone she loved – just like her Mother. The Loves of her LifeNancy eventually followed her heart all the way to Nashville, where she married her sweetheart, Frank, on March 29, 1980. They settled into a comfortable routine with Bryan; Nancy’s child from her first marriage. Nancy would always say that her children were her greatest source of pride and she protected them fiercely. Studying Biology in college-(she put college on hold to raise her family) led Nancy to work as a Bookkeeper and Secretary Tennessee. She held the position of Secretary at the local school for almost 25 years; this allowed her to look out for her children and be available to them on their schedule. Nancy treasured being able to watch her children grow up. Her house was home to a parade of well loved pets: four dogs, several cats, rabbits, birds and fish. Nancy did have a fear of bugs and the many nests and trees that harbored them. Her family will always laugh, when a rather large Palmetto bug dropped from a tree into her hair; there was quite a scene that day. A genius in the kitchen, Nancy delighted the family with banana bread, pumpkin bread and oft-requested lasagna. She frequently served her own favorites, fried chicken with gravy and squash. She was especially admired for her talent making wedding cakes. She created a memorable version for the weddings of each of her children. Even the Strongest Heart can be BrokenEvery night after dinner had been enjoyed and clean-up chores completed, Nancy and Frank would retire to their favorite spot, the swing on the porch. It was devastating for Nancy when Frank passed away abruptly from a heart attack in 1994. Despite her broken heart, she found solace in her family and friends and summoned her inner strength to carry on. In Nancy style, she enjoyed as much time as possible with her children and grandchildren, finding endless joy in playing cards “Nerts”. Motherhood, Apple Pie and DonutsOver the years, she taught her children how to face challenges, manage the ‘’business side of life’’ and how to maintain a solid work ethic. Her family was devastated when Nancy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Once released from hospital, she moved in with daughter Amanda and son-In-Law James. Ever determined to get the absolute most out of every moment, she pushed for happy days, long conversations and fun adventures. She taught Bryan the most valued secrets of making a great apple pie and urged son-in-law James to take her to the empty church parking lot in his truck to do ‘’donuts’’ in the snow. She maintained a healthy appetite and never missed an opportunity to enjoy steak and sweet potatoes at Logan’s. She would often send someone to get her some tea from McDonald’s. It always had to have six Splenda’s and whatever you do, do not forget the lemon! Her brave fight with cancer lasted until September 2012. Her family will remember, with extreme fondness, the final three and a half years of real living with their Mother. Mostly, though, they will remember the strength and character of this sweet lady who graced their lives. Another note from “The loves of her life”Although our family was very much blended, “yours, mine, and ours,” we were raised as one big family. Halves and steps were not how we were raised. Nancy and Frank both looked at each other’s child as their own. We were simply raised as brother and sisters. BY THE BEST PARENT’S EVER!
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