Nancy Grivna

It is with the heaviest hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Aunt, Nancy Lee Grivna nee Bruce, age 88. Nancy passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026 after enduring weeks of trying her best to recover. Although she may not have looked like it, Nancy was incredibly strong and had a lot of fight. Even her doctor would joke that she was like a cat with nine lives as she withstood not one, but two hip breaks, a pulmonary embolism and multiple pneumonias. Nancy was born on February 15, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan to Albert Benjamin Bruce and Henrietta Mary (Schmidt) Bruce. She was the oldest of three sisters and the last surviving sister, preceded in death by her younger sisters, Carole Bruce and Barbara Layow who she loved dearly. Nancy married the late Robert Charles Grivna on October 22, 1956. They were married for nearly 62 years until Bob died a week shy of their anniversary on October 15, 2018. Together they had four children: Debbie (the late Bill) Hershey, Bobby Grivna, Linda (the late Bryan) Grivna, and Ronnie Grivna. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brian (Jennifer) Proffitt, Brandon Proffitt, Sarah (Amador) Melgoza and Ashley Van Wynsberghe. As well as her great-grandchildren: Tia, Abby, Ayden, Jessie and Bailey. Family was the center of her world. Nancy loved nothing more than being surrounded by the people she loved, especially during the holidays. She would spend days preparing for company and do mostly all of the cooking herself, only to eat last and after everyone else was finished. Her door was always open, and everyone was always welcome. She had a special way of making people feel comfortable and cared for. When Bryan asked if she would be his grandmother because he had never truly had one, she gave him a funny smile and said, “Of course,” because to her, he already was. She always put everyone else’s needs above her own and never thought of herself first. Nancy was selfless to the fullest capacity. She would be quick to buy something for someone, but hesitant to buy anything for herself. She was the kindest soul any of us had the pleasure of knowing. Many joke that she didn’t have a mean bone in her body. She was gentle, nurturing, and the most caring person. So much so, she would even worry about geese and where they were going to sleep in the winter or wouldn’t go to sleep until a loved one “rang twice” once they got home safely. She enjoyed her soap operas, clipping coupons for people, and celebrity gossip. She and Bob would very avidly watch the news and just enjoy each other's company. She loved going thrifting with her daughter Debbie on Wednesdays where everyone knew them by name and spending weekends at the cabin at Higgins Lake with her daughter Linda and granddaughter Ashley. She was kept very active for the last five years often referring to herself as a “bouncy ball”. She would travel from child to child, often being able to get some much-needed relaxation with her sons, Ronnie and Bobby. On the other hand, she would jump from one adventure or event to the next with Ashley and Bryan. She was deeply loved by anyone who met her and will be forever missed. Our lives will always have a missing piece with her absence. The family will greet friends at Mandziuk & Son Funeral Home of Sterling Heights on Sunday, August 2nd from 3:00pm until 8:00pm. Following the funeral services, Nancy will be laid to rest next to her husband, Bob, at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Nancy Grivna

February 15, 1938 - July 25, 2026