Nancy

The announcement that Maryland schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick will retire in June after 20 years on the job marks a watershed for public education in the state, whose history could fairly be divided into two eras — before and after Ms. Grasmick. Her extraordinary leadership raised the bar on what was possible for schools across the state and won Maryland national recognition as an education powerhouse. She's been called "the heart and soul" of Maryland schools. Whoever succeeds her will have big shoes to fill.

Winter had not loosed its icy grip when I boarded a plane for St. Petersburg, Fla., and a weekend with Connie and Nancy, my best friends since the seventh grade. "My best friends since the seventh grade" is how we introduce each other. It is a point we like to emphasize. Most marriages don't last as long as we have. We've been trying to get together once a year since the kids stopped requiring our undivided attention, but it has been hit or miss. We are all still working, each of us has a busy season, and they never seem to coincide.

Updated with Liz Bowie report from school headquarters: Maryland schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick is stepping down from her post as the nation's longest-serving state education chief. Grasmick, 72, announced her retirement this afternoon to a large gathering of workers at the state Department of Education office that bears her name. She'll step down June 30. "I have made a very tough decision to leave," she said. She highlighted the state's accomplishments on its Advanced Placement performance, its preparation for kindergartners and its successful Race to the Top application.

Nancy S. Grasmick Age: 72 Personal: Married to Louis J. Grasmick, owner of a lumber company Education: A graduate of Western High School in Baltimore City, she earned her bachelor's degree from Towson University, her master's from Gallaudet University and her doctorate from the Johns Hopkins University. Work: She began her education career as a teacher of deaf children at the William S. Baer School in Baltimore; she went on to serve as a classroom and resource teacher, principal, supervisor, assistant superintendent and associate superintendent.

Obviously the Democratic/Socialist Party did not hear American citizens in the midterm elections. By choosing Nancy "shut up, I know what's best for you" Pelosi as leader of the House Democrats, they have again thumbed their noses at us. Not to worry, we will be heard — 2012 is coming and we will make sure the message is sent loud and clear! Peggy Alley, Baltimore

Nancy Christie, a retired interior designer and manager of the Baltimore Museum of Art 's gift shop, died July 21 of complications from Alzheimer's disease complications at the Blakehurst retirement community in Towson. The former Roland Park resident was 85. Born Nancy Kidder in Charlottesville, Va., she was a 1943 graduate of St. Anne's Belfield School. She earned a degree from Parsons The New School for Design in New York City and later opened an interior decorating business in Charlottesville.

Nancy Fink handed out congratulations and certificates to 335 eighth-graders Friday as she officiated at her last farewell assembly. The longtime Baltimore County educator is retiring this month after 41 years in education, the last 26 at Dumbarton Middle School in Rodgers Forge. Nancy Fink handed out congratulations and certificates to 335 eighth-graders Friday as she officiated at her last farewell assembly. The longtime Baltimore County educator is retiring this month after 41 years in education, the last 26 at Dumbarton Middle School in Rodgers Forge.

School districts across Maryland are being asked this week to engage in discussions and activities addressing the issue of school bullying after several recent high-profile cases in Baltimore and the nation. Maryland first lady Katie O'Malley and state schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick have designated May 24-28 as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. O'Malley, along with state education officials, will kick off the week Monday morning with a visit to Pikesville Middle School.

Nancy L. Bartenfelder, a retired Baltimore County school bus driver and farmer who was recalled as a skilled political campaigner, died of complications from pneumonia Monday at Franklin Square Hospital Center. The Fullerton resident was 71. "She was the counselor to everybody in the neighborhood," said her son, Baltimore County Councilman Joseph Bartenfelder. "Her politics were strictly grass-roots. She liked people, and she liked going door to door. Her theory was money does not elect you; people do."

Nancy Ann Cook Services will be Monday, Feb. 1, 2010 at 9:30 A.M. in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal Street, Milton, DE 19968 where friends may call Sunday from 4 to 6 P.M. Interment will be Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro, De. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1138 Parsons Road, Salisbury, MD 21801.