Obituary of Ellen Jean Grissett

Ellen (Jean) Grissett, 91, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2018, at her home in Ashburn, VA.  A native Washingtonian, she was a loving mother, who had a long career as a grants professional with the Department of Health and Human Services and retired from the Department of Education.  She was generous and kind to her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Early in her life she studied acting and was also a talented singer.  She enjoyed music, movies and the theater all of her life.  She had a keen mind and enjoyed mental challenges, especially puzzles and trivia.

Jean attended St. Joseph’s elementary school and Notre Dame Academy.  She began working as a sales assistant at Garfinckel’s Department Store at the age of 16.  She attended Strayers Business School and then became a secretary for a law firm.  Later she joined the Federal government and, because of her intelligence and knowledge of grants policy, was consulted by many in her agency, and ultimately advanced to the position of Branch Chief.

Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Marc Weisman; son and daughter-in-law, Walter, Jr. and Janet Grissett; grandson Geoffrey Grissett and his wife, Jina; two grandchildren, Noah and JeJe; and granddaughter Alison and her husband Chris Green.

Jean will be interred with her late husband, Walter, in Arlington Cemetery at a later date.