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Nancy Ann Grantham
Nancy Grantham Memoriam
Nancy Ann Grantham (Age 69)
Nancy Ann Grantham was born in Miami, FL, on January 19, 1956, and died peacefully on October 28, 2025, in Rockville, MD, after a short illness. She spent her final days surrounded by colleagues, friends, and family.
Nancy graduated from Miami High School and later from Harvard University in 1978. For more than 35 years, she was a dedicated and influential leader at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She began her career in Boston before moving to EPA Headquarters in Washington, DC, where she served as the Principal Deputy Associate Administrator for Public Affairs, a career Senior Executive Service position. Her exceptional skill, integrity, kindness, and professionalism were recognized across many Administrations, earning her multiple Gold Medals for outstanding service. In October 2025, shortly before her passing, Nancy received EPA's Distinguished Career Service Award for her lifetime achievements. A gifted mentor, she encouraged others to excel and left a lasting impact on countless colleagues and to the agency. It is especially heartbreaking that Nancy was preparing to retire from federal service in December 2025.
Nancy is survived by her loving brother, Linden (Lynn) Grantham, and his wife, Brenda; her nephews, Michael and Steven (and his wife, Michelle); her grand-nephew, Wilden; and her grand-nieces, Bianca, Hannah, and Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Lynn Grantham; her siblings, Mary and John; and her beloved dog, Skye. A devoted dog lover throughout her life, Nancy cared for many pets who brought her great joy.
Nancy was deeply cherished by friends and colleagues at the EPA and will be profoundly missed. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who visited, offered support, and shared messages on her Kudoboard. Their kindness and presence brought comfort during a difficult time. To collect personal stories and photographs, the family welcomes memories at:
[email protected].
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 25, at Grace Episcopal Church in Middleway, WV. Nancy will be interred in the Grace Church cemetery near her parents and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Casey House Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Grantham
2 Entries
Carter Williamson
Yesterday
I met Nancy for the first time at the Gold King mine response and we became friends. She was very supportive of the emergency response program and fought the good fight to help us create our emergency response recruitment video. Her memory will carry on. She will be missed very much.
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Elise Jakabhazy
March 1, 2026
My sincere condolences to the Grantham family. I´m so glad to have met you and will hold you all close to my heart.
Nancy was more than a colleague or supervisor. She was a steady presence, a mentor, and a true friend.
For those of us fortunate enough to work beside her at the EPA, she was the backbone of Public Affairs, the one who could see clearly through chaos and bring calm, focus, and purpose to any challenge.
Nancy led with both intellect and heart. Her advice was always measured, her humor never far from the surface, and her kindness extended well beyond the boundaries of work. She had that rare ability to make you feel understood, even when she was guiding you to do better.
When she offered her counsel, she did so with warmth and grace, qualities that made her not just an exceptional leader but a lasting influence in the lives of so many people.
For me, Nancy was also family. She was a confidante who celebrated successes, steadied me through setbacks, and taught me the value of standing firm in purpose while staying grounded in compassion. She was a pseudo Auntie to my son, and would invite him over for private talks and pizza.
Her legacy will live on in the way she shaped the people around her to be thoughtful, resilient, and deeply committed to making a difference.
The EPA and all who knew her have lost a cornerstone, but Nancy´s spirit, her wit, wisdom, and generosity, remain woven into every story, every project, and every friendship she helped build. She truly made all of us better.
I miss her more than words can express.
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