I have now waited almost a year to write a message in the Guest Book. It's a little easier now but not by much. Every time a holiday comes up I wish for Nancy's special cards she made. When something happens the first person I want to share it with is Nancy. Nancy's death left a second big hole in my heart. First was John's  and then Nancy's. As a family I hope the passing days have brought  you peace.

Dear Rick:  I was very saddened to hear of your loss of your dear Nancy.  Although we have not been in close contact over the years, I can tell you that Nancy and you have been very dear to me.  I first met Nancy when I went to work at the Library of Congress in 1961.  I recall the pictures of your beautiful wedding and then the births of your two daughters Cathy and Colleen. Nancy and I had many conversations about your family. The most memorable event was after Colleen was born.  Nancy came back to work after maternity leave and had gotten a very nice promotion in her job. She came to work one day and announced that she was resigning to be a "stay at home" mom. It was a huge sacrifice financially I am sure, but I remind you of this to demonstrate her dedication to you and your daughters. I am sure that your decision to make that sacrifice was probably the most important that you could have made. I know that Nancy was a wonderful companion, mother and homemaker and a dear friend to many.  May God be with you as you struggle to cope with the grief.  Love, Doris

Rick, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Words cannot take away any of the pain you must be feeling, but at times like this I always remember an Irish Funeral blessing my grandmother from Ireland used to say. 
"Death leaves a heartache, no one can heal but Love leaves a memory that no one can steal. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand"
 
Conor Porter

MEMORIES OF NANCY

We met in the junior year of high school. She was the first person to befriend me. Because she could lip-read, we had conversations across the class w/o the nuns knowing. She shared her family and friends with me. I remember her Grandmother Lear so well. Her mom and sister, Rosemary were always cheerful and friendly to me.
 
At the funeral her almost-95-yr.-old mom just reminded me of a Nancy moment that happened before common cell phone usage. I was spending the night at her house. The next morning my mom called at the crack of dawn to remind me to watch the PBS steno course I was supposed to be taking. (I still have the certificate). Her call woke the whole house, especially Grandmother Lear. Nancy was understandably not too happy with me about it.

Linda F. Mitchler

Dear Rick and Colleen, we are extremely sorry to learn of Nancy's departure. We were away from Madrid and we just came back today to find this terrible and sad news. We really appreciated Nancy because she was such a pleasant person and it was easy to talk to her.  We send our warmest regards to you both and also to Catherine and Kyle, as well as to our daughter Ximena. 
Sincerely Patricia & Fernando de Toro-Garland.

Rick
 Although I didn't have the pleasure of meeting your dear wife, I am sure sure she must have been a wonderful person.  I was sadden to hear of her death.  My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family.

Words cannot express the shock and sadness I felt when Rick called and told me of Nancy's sudden passing. 

I met Nancy and Rick over 20 years ago at an Open House which I held in the subdivision of Belair Green in Bowie. From the first time we met I knew I had met a wonderful couple who were, and have been always cordial, warm, and trusting. They welcomed me into their home and introduced me to their lovely daughters. Nancy was such a wonderful lady, always friendly and kind with such a nice smile and warm embrace. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and a genuine lady. And she and Rick grew such delicious and succulent tomatoes too! I remember one Sunday I held an Open House for them at their cape cod in the Whitehall section of Bowie.  When it was all over and they returned home, she gave me a whole bunch of meaty, juicy tomatoes to take home. And before I left their house I cooked them a big pot of Chinese tomato egg flower soup in their kitchen. And what a great couple Nancy and Rick were to me! In many of the past 20 some years Nancy sent Rick to drop off a bagful of tomatoes to my office because they knew I enjoyed eating them. I will never forget their kindness and precious friendship.  

I always thought Rick was the boss of the house until one afternoon I was invited to their beautiful colonial for lunch.  After lunch I showed them a comparative market value analysis of their home because Rick was thinking of moving into a 55+ community.  Upon learning the bottom line of selling their existing home and the future monthly mortgage payment, Nancy, and I will never forget her strong will and determination, opened her eyes wide and gave Rick a dead-cold stare, eye ball to eye ball, and firmly said right at him "Rick, no way! I WILL NOT DO IT! I will never put ourselves in that position again like 30 years ago when we had to tighten everything to pay the monthly mortgage bill! I am telling you, I WON'T DO IT! AND JUST FORGET ABOUT MAKING THIS MOVE!" Rick was very quiet, and at that point I just realized who was the real boss and comptroller of the household. And of course since then they have not moved from that lovely home of theirs. I am glad that they stayed there happily thereafter. And as for myself, at least on that afternoon I had enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by Nancy.  Oh, yes, she was a great cook too.

Rick, Cathy and Colleen, please excuse me for rambling on and on. I just want to say I have many fond memories of Nancy and I am very saddened with her passing, and I shall miss her and her kindness. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and condolence.  It truly is my pleasure and honor to have known her. And whenever I think of the Grimes family I will always remember her and her warm friendship.

May she rest in peace. 

Sincerely Yours,
Elizabeth Loo Vinnedge
Bowie, Maryland
08/21/2010

Wednesday's celebration of Nancy's life was a beautiful memorial. Surrounded by the photographs and music and hearing the family's tributes, we were able to focus on an image of Nancy that captured the brightness of her eyes and the light in her smile. Nancy held a special place in so many lives. As you said in the eulogy, she connected with us, individually, through her ability to listen. There was, however, another way Nancy connected with us. Not only did she listen to what was happening in our lives, she shared what was happening in her life. Sharing means being honest, being real, being vulnerable. Through our 40 years of friendship, we shared times when we laughed and when we cried; we supported one another and were each other's sounding board. And when all else failed, we shook our heads at the crazy world around us and said, "It is what it is". Nancy made a difference in our lives. We have a treasure of wonderful memories and stories that we will always hold close. We just expected more time to add more memories.

With love,
Mary and Bob

Dear Rick, Cathy and Colleen,

Losing Nancy greatly shocked and saddened us.  We are so very sorry for the pain and sorrow you feel at this time.

Nancy was a sweetheart and a joy to all.  Loving, caring, thoughtful wife and mother, but fiercely protective of her Rick and her girls.  Many fond memories remain of her kindness and thoughtfulness.  Always a gracious lady and hostess, her joyful welcoming of each member of Rick's motley poker group into her beautiful, warm home will never be forgotten.

Nancy's values, talents, influence and contributions are mirrored and reflected in the beautiful girls and extended family she left all too soon.

May peace be with you.

Love, Dave and Jeanie

Dearest Rick and family, my deepest sympathy is with you on the loss of a dear wife, mother and friend. I remember very fondly the nights through junior and senior high schools that Nancy and I spent studying for those less then fun classes and the many debates - pick a subject - that usually developed with Grandmother Lear and Aunt Blanche. Wonderful times and memories. RIP in peace my dear friend.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I have not seen Nancy for a very long time. I wish our lives weren't so hectic, and we had stayed in touch. Rita Hensley is her aunt, and she is not in good health, but she thought of Ann and Nancy often, as well as the rest of the family. I am Rita's daughter, Donna Hensley Newman, a first cousin. We will keep all of you in our prayers.

Rick and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Nancy was such a beautiful person. I appreciated getting to know her in the reunions we had in recent years. She was such a wonderful wife and partner for Rick, How fortunate to have been blessed so many years with one another. Sympathy and Love to you from FLo and Dave Abel

Dear Rick, Cathy and Colleen, Words can not express how sorry we are for the sudden loss of your dear wife, your Mother and our friend. We have shared lots of dinners,playing games and trips to gamble. We have so enjoyed every single time we spent with her. She will be missed so very much by all that knew her. I can't imagine how much your heart's hurt and grieve. We both loved her dearly. Dick and Delories

Dear Richard,
  I remember meeting your wife at my sister's house for your class reunion.  She was such a lovely lady. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Rick, I am still in a state of shock from the sudden passing of Nancy.  I can't believe that she is gone.  I cannot imagine what you, Cathy, Colleen and your families are going through.  I pray that the lord will give all of you the strength to come through your grief.  I feel blessed that I was able to know her and Pat and I will always remember her kind smile, her pleasant demeanor and her devotion to you, her children and grandchildren.  I always thought you were the luckiest guy in the world to have such a woman for your wife.  From the time you first started dating, I knew that it was truly meant that you two would be together forever.  Since last Thursday I have done nothing but think of Nancy, you and of the three of us growing up on Massachusetts and Constitution Avenues.  The memories came flooding back about those innocent days of youth in the inner city.  The hot, humid evenings this past week took me back to the summer evenings in the 50's, before air conditioning, when we would walk up to Nancy's house and hang out on her front porch, then walk over to Sandy Comb's, Lincoln Park or Larry Soper's house, or up to Carol Carlson's, or Rosemary's.  Or, when we would all walk up to the east lawn of the U.S. Capitol to lie on the grass and listen to the free military orchestra concerts.  I remember the parties in junior high school when "spin the bottle" games were played and, somehow, Nancy always managed to have the bottle stop at her when you were the person to receive the kiss!  I remember when we were in college at G.W.U., when we were dressed in our formal outfits at the homecoming ball in the D.C. Amory, dancing to the Billy May band.  The hot, June day when you two were married at St. Joseph's.  There is not enough room here to to detail all of the memories of her.  Although we lost touch with each other for some years, when we reconnected, Nancy's acceptance and kindness made Pat and I feel as though we had never lost touch.  We will miss her so much.
Pat & Jerry Orndorff

Rick & Family, Wish I wasn't traveling so I could express my condolences to you in person on Tuesday. I only met Nancy the once when we visited your house in Bowie (remember "Prince"?). Anyway, I can't fathom your tremendous loss and can only wish you all the very best in days to come. I still recall how much I enjoyed your great sense of humor, and how you helped to train me when I 'replaced' (as if anyone could) Mort in your office back in the 70s. And then, many years later, it was such a pleasure to meet and work with Cathy. Again, my sincerest sympathy and best wishes. Bernie

Rick,  I am really sorry to hear that you lost your dear wife.  Thinking of you.  Warm regards, Terri Saus

Rick and family, my thoughts are with you at this very sad time.  Although I haven't seen or talked to you, Rick, for many years, I think back to the great times we had at "softlanding" and the fond memories of how you talked about Nancy.  It was obvious how much she meant to you.  God be with you and your family and give you the strength you will need at this time.  Joan Taylorson

Rick, Collen and Kathy,

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Nancy. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories of Nancy.  Donna, Jeff and Olivia Mitchell.

Rick, Cathy and Colleen,

I was so saddened to hear the news of Nancy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories of Nancy.

My Dear Friend Rick, I'm in shock over the passing of my very dear friend Nancy,  We have been friends since we were teens in Jr. High School., Nancy meant the world to me, I thought of her as my sister. She helped me thru alot of hard times and I will always remember her smiling face, her kindness to many other of her friends.I know the pain of yours and your families loss. She was always in my prayers and thoughts, and her Mom and Rosemary. At these times words come hard.....Love U dear friends, Selma

Dear Rick
I never had the pleasure to meet Nancy, but I understand she was a wonderful and loving wife and mother.  Rick, please accept my condolences and prayers. I am able to feel the pain you are experiencing at this moment, because I also lost my spouse a few years ago.  Rose Haritan

Rick,
We are at a loss for words to express our sympathy to you and your family.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Love, Kay & George Allmon

Rick,
Thanks for the talk on the phone Saturday.  I wrestled with calling, not knowing how receptive you would be to phone calls.  You and Nancy were a special couple, childhood sweethearts who stayed together.  50+ years!  I envied you for having such a pretty girl friend.  All the way back to high school days.  Maybe longer than that.  She was a very beautiful person, good looks plus a sweet personality.   You were a lucky guy! Reflect back on all those wonderful memories.  I'm sure they include having two daughters who will be a comfort to you.  I wish you the best.

Colleen 
I cannot tell you, how much I will miss the laughter and the wonderful person your mother was with much sorrow I have to say good-bye to her and know that she has passsed to a better place
Marc

Dear Rick, Collen and Kathy,

I was saddened to hear of Nancy's sudden passing.  Nancy was beautiful both inside and out.  She exuded kindness and love.  I still have and will always cherish the baby blanket she made for my Austin before his birth. Nancy was  an angel who walked among us.  Now we must take comfort in the fact that she has found her place in heaven as a true angel who will look down upon you and your girls; giving you strength and grace through this difficult time.

Much love,
Amy Howard

Dear Rick and Family
Although I never knew Nancy personally, my heart and prayers go out to you at this sad time. Mau God's love surround all of you always.
Sue Harting

Dear Rick,Colleen and Cathy
 I would first like to say that Nancy was the most loving, caring, wonderful woman I have ever met. When Ximena called to tell me the news, my heart broke in two. I have been cutting Nancy's hair now for the better part of 11 or 12 years. I will never forget the first day I met her. She was a little nervous, I think, that I didn't understand what she wanted. But, I gave her the right cut and she was so happy with it and from that day on, I had myself not only a new client but a new friend and another mother.. Nancy and I told each other everything. I was so comftorable with her I was telling her things that I wasn't even telling my own mother. She was very easy to talk to and I loved that I could tell her everything. The day that she died a little bit of me did too. When I started cutting hair from home, I used to love that Nancy and I would have our time together and Rick would read the latest People and then when he got his cut we would all talk about the Young and the Restless.
 I will miss knowing that I will never see Nancy again. I will miss her smile and talking to her about the problems that I am able to talk to her about. She has helped me through some hard times that my own family have not been able to help me with or have been the cause of.
 She will be missed dearly. I love you Nancy and for Rick I love you and will always be here for you if you need me.

      ~Kelly Kaufman, Millersville,Md.

Dear Rick,

I was very saddened to hear of Nancy's death.  My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

Rick,  I just learned of the passing of your beloved wife, Nancy.  I am so deeply sorry for your tremendous loss.  I will keep those memories, Rick, that we shared from high school and of meeting you and Nancy many years later.  May G-d comfort you with all the mourners of Zion and may Nancy find peace in the arms of the Lord.  Rita (Horowitz) Liebowitz

Rick- I can't imagine the sense of loss this unexpected tragedy means to you and your family.  I am sorry that you are faced with such a difficult challenge that life has brought you.

Rick and family -- I am very saddened by learning of Nancy's passing.  On the few
occasions when I met her during the time you and I worked together, I found her to
be a delighful and very caring person.  Please accept my deepest sympathy for what I know will be a tremendous void in your lives.      Dee Horton

Rick and Family,

So Sorry to hear of your loss. May your heart ache ebb and you become increasingly able to cherish memories of the wonderful times of the past.  With best wishes for a future filled with fond recollections,

     Tom Sowinski

Dear Rick, Cathy and Colleen,

What a loss! We cannot begin to imagine what you all are feeling at this time. Woody and I have such wonderful memories of Nancy from the times we have been out to dinner together, to crossing the Pacific, by ship, on our way to Hawaii, to spending a weekend in New York, to traveling to California to see San Francisco and drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, our wonderful dinner and ride on the Napa Valley Railroad, and last but not least our great bus trips to regional sites.

Nancy brought such joy, love and humor to our get togethers. Nancy left us with fond memories of her thoughtfulness and caring. Our girls still treasure the blankets Nancy crocheted for their new babies. We know our lives have been enriched by knowing her.

 Please be comforted by knowing that you and the girls are in our prayers. 

Love,
Carol and Woody

Rick, words cannot express the sorrow that I am feeling for you and your family.  Shock, sorrow, pain, among a few.  You are a very dear friend and I am so very sorry for your loss.  You and Nancy were a great couple.  You did everything together, and I will miss our lunches the three of us had.  Take comfort in the knowledge that a lot of people love you and are praying for you at this time.  Love, Susan and Arty

Nancy, my dear friend.  
We shared our recipe for happiness through our many hobbies.  Our exchange of patterns for macrame, needlepoint, kitchen witches, embroidery etc., gave us self-fulfillment when we needed to escape from everyday events.  I have a part of you with me each day.  The crystal centerpiece on my dining table, my crystal  biscuit jar kept full of cookies, my lovely Christmas lap robe, the yearly Spode Christmas dishes to mention just a few of the gifts you so thoughtfully chose.   However, the most memorable of all gifts were your handmade macrame Santas, wreaths and gifts you put so much of your time and effort into.  These I will cherish.  
Gifts come and go, but most of all, Nancy, I will always remember your tender and yielding heart.  Your happiness and fulfillment did not depend on your circumstances.  You were a tender, loving and true friend and I will miss you dearly. I was blessed with knowing you and sharing a part of my life with you. 
Your dedication to being the best mother and wife is unrivaled. You didn't just love Rick and the children; you were in love with them.  With Gods help these memories will help all of the family through their grief.

Dear Rick,

My day has not been the same since receiving your phone call! Like you, I have been deeply wounded! There are so many thoughts running a muck in my head at this writing, but after trying to give full and careful consideration to where you may be right now, I am constrained to admit defeat. Rest assured, however, that your quest for understanding and eventual acceptance of what has just occurred to all of us, through you, will not be defeated. You, and your family are loved by many, many! LOVE does it all! As I said to you, you and Nancy were blessed with many wonderful years together, parenting 2 beautiful daughters, and getting grandchildren in the bargain as a package deal! Please take solace in that thought and along that theme line for the time being. This too shall pass! I have many times contemplated my life without Marva, and yet I am unable to simulate this possible reality for my life. I am sure that you, like me, if given the chance, would gladly offer up your life as a living sacrifice to have saved your Nancy! Regrettably, it don't work that way! Please know that all of your and Nancy's acquaintances have you and her and your families in their HEARTS, thoughts and PRAYERS. I so wish that I could do more for you right now! Perhaps later? In the meantime, I will pray! This is so painfully inadequate, I'll stop now!

Just remember, that I and many, many more are with you in loss, and in SPIRIT, but our LOVE for you overshadows ALL!

Respectfully, and with LOVE,

Marv
Please call me when you can!
410-461-0004
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.   I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.   Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. II Timothy 4:6-8

Nancy was one of the most thoughtful and sweet people I have ever known.  She was always full of love and gratitude for what she had.  She created an amazing family and I admired her greatly.
Lots of love and sympathy to all her family,
Elise Guttridge

Rick and Family our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.  Our deepest condolences.  Rochelle Woolcock and Family

Rick, I am so extremely sorry to hear of your loss. As you know, I did not know Nancy well, but meeting her that one time will be a lasting memory. She impressed me very much. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Cris Piotrowski

Colleen and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. I remember meeting Nancy and enjoying her spirit and humour and I know her loss will be felt dearly. Take strength from each other and keep her close in your hearts.
My sincere condolences,
Karen Smith, Hamilton Ontario Canada

Dear Rick and family,We are still in shock about Nancy.Girls I understand your pain for the loss of a beautiful mom /friend. Rick please know we hold you very close in our hearts and prayers. At this time there are no words to take away the pain and loss you all are feeling. We will light a candle for Nancy next Wed in memory of a beautiful person. A life that was taken way to early and deeply be missed.... "love Cheryl and Claire ( St.Catharines Canada)

Dear departed Nancy:  I first met you - through Rick - when it seemed as though everyone we all knew lived in one or another of the apartment complexes in Laurel.  You took one look at me and said something like, Who is that poor, skinny guy;  he must be fed!  And so you did.  Numerous times.  You, Rick and I would share a bottle of Gallo while bemoaning how we were ever going to get out of those crummy garden apartments and into a real house - one without dog-defiled grass.  But decent 2-bedroom homes were a whopping $15,000 back then, and the old Charger was sick, and the girls needed new outfits.  Nevertheless, you had the dream, and the motivation to go with it.  And so, of course, it eventually all came to pass.  And the girls grew up and prospered.  And Rick remained as true and devoted as any man can be.  And, finally, I will never forget 'that look' - bemusement and skepticism combined with a tinge of mildest outrage - whenever I might go just a bit 'over the top' with one story or another.  But your forgiving nature always prevailed and for that I was - and am - eternally grateful.  Go with God, and peace.  Mort

Dear Rick, Cathy, and Colleen
I was your next door neighbor for many years until Jane and I moved to Oregon in 2005. I'm in a state of shock. I wasn't aware Nancy was being treated for cancer. Rick, I know the pain of losing a spouse. I wish I could be there to comfort you. Just know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you begin the journey of grieving and mourning Nancy's passing.

Rick, Cathy and Colleen I don't know how to explain how sorry I am and how much Nancy meant to me.  I can't believe that I don't get my text message from her everyday.  It seems like we have know each other forever and we've been best friends since we were 11 years old.  There were a few years while raising our families that we kind of lost track but when I found a Maryland phone book and got Rick and Nancy's number and called it was like we never lost any time at all.  I will be praying for all of you!  Love, Sandy

OBITUARY

Nancy F. Grimes

February 10, 1942 – August 11, 2010

Robert E. Evans Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services