Mrs. Wanetta "Nita" Grignol

Nita Grignol, 88, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on October 22, 2026. Nita will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and steadfast advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Nita grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she met and married her husband, Ronald Grignol. They built a life together centered on family and service, raising their four children as a military family. Nita held several part-time positions serving her community during her lifetime, including working at the Richmond Cerebral Palsy Center and the Virginia House of Delegates.

Nita's great passion was advocating for individuals with disabilities, a commitment deeply rooted in her love for her special needs son, Jeff. In 1997, she was a key founder in Parents for Community-Based Services, and she dedicated much of her life to advocating for the services and resources that allow individuals with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives.

From 2005 - 2015, Nita served as Director of Ministry with People with Disabilities for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond where she worked to ensure that individuals with disabilities were welcomed in parish life. She also served for 10 years as president of the Arc of Virginia board.

Nita loved spending time with her family, traveling to many countries with Ron during their retirement, always tackling the next project or adventure, and being “Nana Nita” to her grandchildren. A lifelong learner, she returned to college in her 60s after not having the opportunity to attend following high school, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 2001. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the lasting changes she helped bring about.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Ron Jr. (Mami), Lisa (Steve), Gary (Joanne), and Jeff; grandchildren Jenna, Melissa, Ryan, Julianne, and Cassie; and great-grandchildren Mateo, Evie, Liliana, and Kilian; as well as her extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Ronald Grignol; her parents, Doye and Florence Swartwood Whitledge; and her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Spirito.

Visitation will be held at Woody Funeral Home-Parham Chapel , 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229, US, on November 11, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

Visitation will also be held at Saint Michael Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060, US, on November 12, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:10 am, followed by a Eulogy from 10:15 am to 10:30 am, and a Funeral Mass from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. With a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arc of Virginia, P.O. Box 1018, Ashland, VA 23005.