Nancy was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Elizabeth Meriam Grant and Roderick Grant. Her father wrote on his high school newspaper with Ernest Hemingway before going on to become the longest-serving editor of Popular Mechanics. Nancy was raised during World War II at a time of food rations and air raid siren drills. From a young age, she showed her sense of fun and adventure as President of the Oak Park Garage Jumping Club.
After finishing high school, Nancy graduated in 1960 from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana with a degree in psychology. Just days after her father’s sudden passing, Nancy married Hath Harvey in 1961. She then worked in a psychologist’s office in Indianapolis to help support Hath through Indiana University School of Medicine. In 1970, the Harveys moved to Chattanooga, where they raised their two boys, John and Brad.
Throughout her life, Nancy volunteered with a number of charity organizations. She and her dear friend Marilyn Boxell were the first two volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House in Chattanooga, which recently honored them for 30 years of service. Nancy also served for years answering calls for a family violence hotline, helping women through moments of crisis long before there was broad awareness of the issue. Nancy survived breast cancer and then for years helped other women recovering from the disease, including visiting them soon after surgery and responding to calls at all hours of the night.
Nancy was a pacifist, good listener, loyal friend, adventurous traveler, and free thinker. She was curious, wise, generous, humble, resilient, and loving.
Nancy is survived by her beloved sons, John and Brad Harvey, their wives, Mary and Aimee, her brother, Rod Grant, her sister-in-law, Sandy Williams, and her nieces, Carol, Patty, Sally, Suzanne, and Kelly.
A Celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at the Heritage Landing Clubhouse on Saturday, January 19 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The family will hold a service at 2:30, and visitation will follow starting at approximately 3:30. In lieu of flowers, you may make memorial donations in Nancy’s name to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association. You may share your thoughts and memories of Nancy at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nancyharvey2/journal.
Arrangements are held by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
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