Nancy Miller

Nancy Clarke Gridley Miller passed in her sleep on November 19, 2024, at the age of 81 in Syracuse, NY. Born on April 26, 1943 in Yonkers, NY, she was the daughter of the late Allen H. Gridley, Jr. and Mabel Clarke Gridley.

Shortly after World War II ended, she moved with her family to Cleveland, Ohio, where she lived until her graduation from Parma Senior High School in 1961. She then joined her parents and sister, Lois, in Rome, NY, and enrolled at Houghton College (now University), where she majored in Chemistry and was a writer and editor for the College's newspaper and, in her junior year, its yearbook, The Boulder.

After graduation, when she was recruited to attend graduate school as a chemistry major, she instead elected to attend the Newhouse School of Journalism, now Newhouse School of Public Communications, at Syracuse University, where she earned a master’s degree. She was part of an early generation of Newhouse students who encountered Dr. Frank Laubach, titular founder of Laubach Literacy International, and were inspired by his Each One Teach One approach to bringing literacy to the world.

For many years she was the editor of LLI's News for You weekly newspapers which offered news and current events at third- and sixth-grade reading levels for adults learning to read, though many high schools sought them out for their traditional-age students. At the same time, she was an active writer and editor as a member of Erwin First United Methodist Church’s administrative staff.

Nancy was known for her caring, smart, and thoughtful ways both professionally and personally. She was a member of her congregation’s vocal and bell choirs as well as performed various volunteer duties. Her hobbies included playing the piano, singing, tutoring, and hosting holidays and special events, which brought great joy to her and the extended family she nurtured around her.

Nancy is survived by her husband Charlie of 51 years, her sister Lois Gridley (Dennis Calkins, deceased), daughter Caroline Lois (Jeff) Jordan, bonus daughters Laurie (Chuck) Kleitgen, Lisa (Dennis) Veator, Lynn (Jason, deceased) Houghton, and Leslie LaRocca (Joe Pita) as well as 24 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A service to honor Nancy's life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Erwin First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., followed by a service and luncheon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her memory.