Nancy A. Gradie, 80, of Bridgewater, MA passed away peacefully on July 19, 2017. Nancy was born on November 18, 1936, in Arlington to the late Joseph V. and Lois (O’Hanlon) Gradie. She and her family moved to Concord in 1960, where she resided until moving to Bridgewater in 2000. Nancy graduated from Arlington High School in 1955 and continued her education, earning her nursing degree from Somerville Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. Nancy began her 43-year nursing career at Somerville Hospital. From there, she continued on to Central Hospital, Symmes Hospital and Lahey Clinic, until she retired in 2000.
Nancy was the sister of Phillip and Grace Gradie of Hopkinton, Stephen and Donna Gradie of Centerville, and the late Joseph V. Gradie Jr. and Maureen L. Sanford.
Nancy was a devoted aunt, lovingly known as “Arnie” to Vicki Lemon, Hudson, NH; Michael Gradie, Hudson, NH; Lisa Comely, Westford; Karen Roach, Hopkinton; Nancy Aitken, Milford; Charles Sanford, Bridgewater; Christine McCormick, Boston; Allison Cafarella, Uxbridge; Timothy Sanford, Northbridge; Mark Sanford, Vienna, VA; Shana Gradie, New York, NY; Lisa Jasper, Paterson, NJ and the late Joseph G. Sanford and Stephen G. Gradie Jr. She leaves behind 22 beloved great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as many cousins and extended family.
During the final weeks of her life, Nancy was given loving, around the clock, care by her two goddaughters, Nancy Ferola and Elizabeth Ferola of Arlington and her dear best friend of sixty years, Anne Kelly of Medford.
Nancy was fiercely loyal to her friends and family whom she loved with all of her heart. She had a quick wit and unmatched sense of humor. Nancy enjoyed traveling especially to Ogunquit and Wells Beach, Maine, which she did often with family and friends. She will be missed immensely.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral mass at Saint Agnes’ Church, Medford Street, Arlington on Tuesday July 25th at 10 am. Burial will follow in Saint Bernard Cemetery in Concord. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Old Colony Hospice and Palliative Care 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379 www.oldcolonyhospice.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org/legacy.