Sallyanne Harper

Harper Sallyanne Sallyanne Harper, married to Francis J. Nathans, Jr. for 45 years, died peacefully at her home in Annandale, VA on September 1, 2025. Sallyanne was born in Philadelphia and raised in the Roxborough section of the city. Her parents were Thomas Buckman Harper III, Esq. and Frances McCarron Harper. She graduated from Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School in Gwynedd Valley, PA and then joined one of the first classes at LaSalle University in Philadelphia to allow women students. She was in the Honors Program and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in psychology from LaSalle and then got her MBA at George Washington University. She also graduated from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Manager in Government program, going on to leadership roles in the federal government. Sally worked at the Naval Air Systems Command before being confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, a post she held for 10 years. Thereafter, she became the Chief Financial Officer of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO is a legislative branch independent agency that serves as a Congressional Watchdog on behalf of Congress and the American people. During her tenure there she became an Elected Fellow, Treasurer, and member of the Board of Trustees of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). Having served 34 years in federal service, Sally was honored with the National Public Service Award for lifetime public service achievements. After retiring from the federal government, Sallyanne worked for AOC Solutions, a veteran owned business that consulted with federal agencies on management solutions. She was also a co-founder and officer of the Association of Federal Enterprise Risk Management Association and taught at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC which conducts in-depth nonpartisan research to improve government. Sallyanne was a standout many times in her life. LaSalle honored her with its first LaSalle University Women's Leadership Award in 2021, and she was honored by LaSalle with an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters degree as well. While a student at LaSalle, she helped to organize the Women's Center; helped arrange childcare on campus and she was the first Captain of the Field Hockey Team. She was an outspoken advocate for women's sports, and other activities on campus, and credited her LaSalle experience with shaping her life. Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School honored her as well with its Trocaire Leadership Award in 2016 for her ability to inspire and motivate others while exhibiting leadership. Sally will be sadly missed by all who knew her and benefited from her generous spirit. She loved her family members and her Flat Coated Retriever pet dogs. She leaves behind her, her husband, Francis Nathans Jr., and her sisters Patricia Harper Petrozza, MD, Kate Harper, Esq. (Paul J. Kelly III), Elizabeth Harper Briglia, CPA (Michael), and Mary Frances Harper, and her brother, Thomas M. Harper Sr. (Mary), and nephews Paul J. Kelly IV (Camille), Thomas Harper Kelly Esq. (Rosemary), Thomas M. Harper, Jr. MD, Ryan Briglia (Maggie), Andrew Briglia, Anthony Petrozza, Esq. and nieces Katie Briglia and Rachael Harper. Visitation will be held Monday, September 22, from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at FAIRFAX MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 9902 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA 22032. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 25, at 10:00 A.M. at Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003. Donations in Sallyanne's memory may be made to Holy Spirit Abbey, 901 Cool Spring Ln, Berryville, VA 22611. Share a memory with the family at fairfaxmemorialfuneralhome.com