Nancy Margaret Isaac
1953 - 2026
On January 17, 2026, Nancy Margaret Isaac passed away peacefully in her home in San Francisco surrounded by her loving family and close friends. Nancy lived her life beautifully, with compassion, generosity, humility and a kindness that touched everyone who knew her.
Nancy was born on May 14,1953, in New York City. She was the daughter of Blanche I. Perlman (née Kalmanoff) and Clarence (Clancy) Isaac Jr.. She grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, alongside her siblings, Qatana Samanen and Clarence (Chip) Isaac III (deceased).
Motivated by her desire to help others, Nancy earned her undergraduate degree in social work from the Ohio State University and began her career as a caseworker at a residential center for individuals with developmental disabilities in Massachusetts. She later received her master's degree from the School of Social Services Administration of the University of Chicago.
The primary focus of Nancy's professional life was ensuring access, dignity and independence for people with disabilities in public transportation. In Chicago, she worked as the supervisor of paratransit services for the Regional Transit Authority. She later joined the Chicago Transit Authority, where she served as the Americans With Disabilities Act compliance officer and then as general manager of paratransit services. Through her leadership, dedication, and empathy, Nancy helped to ensure that vital transportation services honored the needs and rights of all persons in the community.
Inheriting her mother's green thumb, Nancy was also a lifelong gardener who found joy in nurturing beautiful spaces. She created warm and welcoming gardens at her home in Chicago and later, at her home in San Francisco. She shared her love of nature generously with the community as a dedicated volunteer gardener at the San Francisco Botanical Garden and throughout Golden Gate Park, where she was especially involved in the restoration of its beautiful Tree Fern Dell.
In her leisure time, Nancy was a committed, skilled team member of a Masters rowing club based in Chicago. She also was an award-winning weaver. True to her generous spirit, she used her weaving to enrich the lives of others. After retiring, she founded a weaving program for people with disabilities at a day activity center in Chicago. She volunteered there for several years, bringing joy and empowerment to the people in the program.
Nancy is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Harvey Grossman; her cherished son, Matthew Isaac Grossman and his wife Shelby Grossman (née Cohen); and her adored grandchildren, Willow Blanche Grossman and Matthew Jared Grossman. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Qatana Samanen (James Samanen), extended family, and many dear friends whose lives she touched deeply. She was preceded in death by her brother Chip Issac (Angela Palermo).
A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
SF, Recreation and Park Department
501 Stanyan St, San Francisco 94117
Attn: Joel Riddell
Please specify on check: Donation for The Tree Fern Dell in honor of Nancy Isaac
Nancy's life was a gift to all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, service, beauty, and love will continue to live on in their hearts.
Nancy was born on May 14,1953, in New York City. She was the daughter of Blanche I. Perlman (née Kalmanoff) and Clarence (Clancy) Isaac Jr.. She grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, alongside her siblings, Qatana Samanen and Clarence (Chip) Isaac III (deceased).
Motivated by her desire to help others, Nancy earned her undergraduate degree in social work from the Ohio State University and began her career as a caseworker at a residential center for individuals with developmental disabilities in Massachusetts. She later received her master's degree from the School of Social Services Administration of the University of Chicago.
The primary focus of Nancy's professional life was ensuring access, dignity and independence for people with disabilities in public transportation. In Chicago, she worked as the supervisor of paratransit services for the Regional Transit Authority. She later joined the Chicago Transit Authority, where she served as the Americans With Disabilities Act compliance officer and then as general manager of paratransit services. Through her leadership, dedication, and empathy, Nancy helped to ensure that vital transportation services honored the needs and rights of all persons in the community.
Inheriting her mother's green thumb, Nancy was also a lifelong gardener who found joy in nurturing beautiful spaces. She created warm and welcoming gardens at her home in Chicago and later, at her home in San Francisco. She shared her love of nature generously with the community as a dedicated volunteer gardener at the San Francisco Botanical Garden and throughout Golden Gate Park, where she was especially involved in the restoration of its beautiful Tree Fern Dell.
In her leisure time, Nancy was a committed, skilled team member of a Masters rowing club based in Chicago. She also was an award-winning weaver. True to her generous spirit, she used her weaving to enrich the lives of others. After retiring, she founded a weaving program for people with disabilities at a day activity center in Chicago. She volunteered there for several years, bringing joy and empowerment to the people in the program.
Nancy is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Harvey Grossman; her cherished son, Matthew Isaac Grossman and his wife Shelby Grossman (née Cohen); and her adored grandchildren, Willow Blanche Grossman and Matthew Jared Grossman. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Qatana Samanen (James Samanen), extended family, and many dear friends whose lives she touched deeply. She was preceded in death by her brother Chip Issac (Angela Palermo).
A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
SF, Recreation and Park Department
501 Stanyan St, San Francisco 94117
Attn: Joel Riddell
Please specify on check: Donation for The Tree Fern Dell in honor of Nancy Isaac
Nancy's life was a gift to all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, service, beauty, and love will continue to live on in their hearts.
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