Nan Grogan, predeceased by her husband Harry Grogan (Poway, California), mother Josephine (Cancilla), father Anthony Scaletta, brother Lucien, and sisters Francis Hartwell and Mary Skelly, all of Barrie, passed away at Royal Victoria Hospital on June 23, 2026, with her loving nieces and nephews by her side.
Nan had a remarkable life. She was brave and exciting, although she would chuckle at that description.
Her early years were spent in Barrie, the usual way, going to school and working. One of her jobs, being a Travel Consultant, allowed her to visit many places in the world. This lust for travel and adventure moved her to leave her traditional Italian household and set out to have a career and life in California. That was a big deal in our family back then. It was in California where she met and married the love of her life, Harry.
Returning to Barrie following Harry’s death, Nan became a caregiver.
Her cooking skills and love for movies and music were often shared with her family, who were always enthusiastically welcomed into her home.
Nan’s sharp intellect for business matters (owning and managing her own store for years and preparing her income tax recently) and boundless creativity followed suit. She was an artist, master sewer, quilter, knitter, and crafter who displayed ongoing keen, patient, meticulous talent.
Nan was also an exceptional gardener. She was so proud of her annual harvests, especially her beautiful tomatoes, which she shared with family and neighbours. Her famous lemon tree produced fruit that was regarded with awe by family and friends.
Finally, a life of caring for others, travel, and adventure morphed into a quiet, humble lifestyle.
Nan, sometimes called Toni, was a fiercely independent senior who loved her own comfortable home. In her last years, she courageously coped with a number of challenging health issues until hospital care was required.
Her room became a “new” home, decorated from floor to ceiling with her many treasures. She was excited about the delivery of her new electric wheelchair and anticipated scooting around the facility in it. She became the crochet champion on her floor. So quickly, after that terrific move and to her family’s shock, God had other plans... and so life goes.
Nan will be missed by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who adored her. She was a reminder of our past, our origins, our heritage, and the goodness in life. Antoinette Grogan always will be cherished, remembered, and loved. Never lost to us.
Nan’s family wishes to thank and acknowledge the wonderful care and loving attention provided to her during her stay at Grove Park Home and while in the ICU at Royal Victoria Hospital. Both were so appreciated.
A Funeral Mass will take place at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie on Friday, June 26th, 2026 at 10 am. Interment to immediately follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, 208 Sunnidale Rd., Barrie. Guests are invited to a reception following the Interment located in the St. Mary’s Church Hall. Donations in Nan’s memory can be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and are greatly appreciated by the family.
Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com