Nancy Lee Grant Maguire

March 9, 1927 – May 22, 2022

Nancy Lee Grant was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on March 9, 1927. Her father, Benjamin Ernest Grant, of Washington County, Virginia, was a captain in the U.S. Army and served in both World Wars. Her mother, Hallie Sue McGinnis, also of Virginia, assisted her husband in his earlier occupations as a missionary in China and as a college professor in the states. Nancy spent her formative years growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, and Miami Beach, FL, during WWII, and finished high school in Washington, D.C.

Nancy’s sister, Charmian, a social worker and accomplished researcher, traced their family history all the way back to the Mayflower. Charmian predeceased Nancy in 2008. Fortunately, the love of Nancy’s life, Everett “Bud” Maguire, was able to comfort her and he remained dedicated to caring for her until he passed away in 2019.

Nancy met Bud, to whom she was married for 68 years, on a blind date in early 1951 while he was serving in the Army during the Korean War. At the time Nancy was working at the Pentagon, but she had also worked in the fashion world as a buyer for Garfinckel’s, a luxury department store, in Washington, D.C.

Following their marriage later that same year in Alexandria, VA, Everett brought Nancy out to his hometown, San Bernardino, CA, and she never went back. They moved to Los Angeles upon Bud’s acceptance to UCLA Law School and eventually made their home in Pacific Palisades, living in their Lachman Lane home for 57 years, with their three children attending Marquez Elementary, Paul Revere and Pali High.

Nancy was the consummate 1950s-60s homemaker, famous for her lasagna, crispy oatmeal cookies, chili con carne and cinnamon sour cream coffee cake. She drove her kids all over the Westside to after school programs and sports events in her green Buick station wagon. Later, after the kids left home, she could be found driving along PCH in her blue Ford V8 Mustang convertible, as well as volunteering her time with both UNICEF and the Venice Free Clinic.

She was an avid daily reader of the Los Angeles Times and especially loved Jack Smith’s humorous columns. She cut out other articles she found interesting and would tape them to the inside of cabinets or send the tips and tricks to her children. She was also an expert card player, particularly at solitaire and gin rummy. Her son, Will, fondly referred to her as “the card shark.”

Nancy brought smiles and laughter to all who encountered her, and her own smile lit up rooms. She loved chatting and meeting friends for coffee at Palisades’ corner shops and Mort’s Deli, or at Paradise Cove, but most of all she treasured time with her children, Nanette Eileen (Bill) Vaughan, William Everett Maguire and Constance Sue Maguire.

Nancy was very proud of her children and was supportive of each of their accomplishments. She especially delighted in her grandchildren, Grant (Lauren), Kevin, Erin (Drew), Jeannie (Patrick) and Jim.

Nancy miraculously survived Covid in December 2020 and overcame the challenges that prevented in-person visits and hugs via Zoom, FaceTime, and phone calls with her children, grandchildren, and the newest generation of great-grandchildren, Saul, Elijah, Emma and Grace. These connections enabled her to stay in touch with family and brought her great joy. Now Nancy blows kisses and air hugs from heaven, joined by Bud and her loved ones.