Nancy Louise Backus Grannis, 77, of Orange Park, passed away on August 20, 2024. Nancy was born on December 13, 1946 in Montpelier, Vermont to the late Dorothy Irene (Wiren) and Donald Stuart Backus. After graduating from Hamden High School ('64) in Connecticut, then attending and graduating from Boston Children's Hospital Nursing School ('67), she was commissioned in the US Army Nurse Corp. in December of 1967 and proudly served until her honorable discharge in January 1971. While serving in Germany, Nancy met and fell in love with a Southern Gentleman from Kentucky, her husband of 53 years, Herbert “Lee” Grannis, III. Nancy enjoyed the adventures as an Army Wife with the motto: "Home was where the Army sends us" until Lee's retirement from Army active duty in 1990 and settling down in Bethany, Connecticut. For the next 22 years, Nancy was a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital working with and training many nurses who continue to draw on her training, humor and endless compassion. Nancy enjoyed crafting, reading, spending time with her family and exploring as many National and State Parks she could. As a true nutmegger, she loved watching and cheering on the UCONN Women's Basketball Team--she was their number one fan.
Nancy wore many hats in her lifetime: Nurse, Soldier, Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Fundraiser and Friend. Nancy was devoted to her church, First Church of Christ, in Bethany, and served many roles over 30 years, including as a Deacon. In 2021, "Lee & Nancy" moved to North Florida to be closer to Family and warmer weather.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charles ("Chuck") R. Backus. Nancy is survived by her loving and devoted Husband, Lee; children: Kathryn J. Grannis Belton (Michael), Jennifer L. Grannis, PhD. (Kevin Hurd), Herbert L. Grannis, IV ”Chip” (Melissa) and Luke G. Martin (April); siblings: Kathryn M. Janis (David), H. Carl Backus (Michele), Thomas E. Backus (Victoria) and Sister-in-Law Hazel (Backus) Fugate; nieces and nephews: Winston R. Grannis, Amanda C. Smith, Abigail A. Smith-Owens, Dr. Timothy C. Backus, Kelly Anne Backus, Benjamin C. Backus, Jack Backus, Mary Kathryn Backus-Huebner, Laura G. Backus-Cleary, John E. Backus, Rose V. Backus, plus Great-Nieces and Nephews and beloved bonus grandchildren Ava Rivera, Issac Rivera and the Chase Martin.
The Grannis family request your presence be with cheer and your attire be blue, Nancy’s favorite color.
A Celebration Service will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 11:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home located at 127 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, Florida 32073. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Following the service, the interment will be at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:30 (Lane 2). Donations can be made in her honor to your favorite charity or Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, Military Womens Memorial at 703-822-7270 or [email protected] or the Susan G. Komen Foundation at www.komen.org/how-to-help/donate/memorial-giving
