Nancy Grul

Nancy Cochran Grul died on November 15 at the age of 97. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1918, to John and Beatrice Cochran. Her family moved to the Pajaro Valley in the early 1920s to take over management of her grandfather's vinegar works on Riverside Road. She attended local schools and graduated from Watsonville High School in 1936. Her family moved to Forest Hills, New York, following her graduation, but she always considered the Pajaro Valley her home. While in New York Nancy worked at the Art Students' League and took classes at Barnard College. In 1941 she married her high school sweetheart, William H. Grul, Jr. He had just enlisted in the Marine Corps, and they were married in Quantico, Virginia, where he was enrolled in officers' training school. Their sons, William H. Grul III and John W. Grul were born during World War II. In 1951 the family returned home to Santa Cruz County and Nancy gave birth to their third child, Christine. Watsonville was to be her home the rest of her life. Her Cutter Drive neighbors were her extended family. The family is grateful to the staff of the Rillera Guest Home, whose loving care sustained Nancy for six years. She was a lifelong member of All Saints Episcopal Church, and the All Saints community was very dear to her. She worked for McSherry and Hudson Insurance Company for many years. In retirement she enjoyed travel, gardening, walking, and bicycling. She leaves her daughter, Christine, of Watsonville; and her son John and daughter-in-law Mary and their children, Tyson and Tessa. She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Grul, and son, William. There will be a memorial service at All Saints Episcopal Church on December 11 at 11:00 a.m. Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements. The family prefers donations to All Saints Episcopal Church, 437 Rogers St., or Moreland Notre Dame School, 133 Brennan St.