Holly Grason of Coupeville, Washington, passed away on December 18, 2023, at the age of 73. She was born in Mahopac, New York, on December 3, 1950, to Jack Allen and Cynthia Walworth.

Holly grew up in Mahopac with her parents and sister, Barbara. She earned an undergraduate degree in history from Wells College in 1972. After a year in New York City, she began a course of study at the University of Connecticut. While living in Hartford, she met and married David Grason of Fullerton, PA, in 1974. Holly graduated in 1976 with a MA in child development and family studies.

Holly was a tireless advocate for mothers and children, an accomplished public health professional, and a valued mentor, innovator, and colleague. Among many notable appointments, she served at the Maryland Department of Health, the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She was the Director of the Johns Hopkins University Women’s and Children’s Health Policy Center (WCHPC) from 1993 to 2005. From 2000 to 2018, she was Associate Professor of Public Health at JHU Bloomberg School of Public Health. Holly was recognized with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau Director’s award in 2006 and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Holly is survived by her husband David, sons Matthew and Gregory, daughter Emily, and granddaughters Margaret and Clara.

Holly was laid to rest in a private ceremony for immediate family.

Holly enjoyed spoiling her children, granddaughters, and dog, Tilly. She knitted thoughtful gifts for friends and family, particularly babies. She continued her value of service into retirement, volunteering at Ryan’s House for Youth, the Island County Community Health Advisory Board, and Master Gardeners.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Ryan’s House for Youth.