This Week

On Wednesday evening, September 22nd, Mrs. Marie Grimm of Whitefish Bay died at the age of 94. She was an incredible woman who in mind, spirit, and body seemed to be 20 years younger than her actual age. To all who knew her, it was apparent she lived life- each and every day of it. She was beloved by all and will be sorely missed.

Grimm came out of retirement for the second time - at age 80-to help out at St. Monica School in Whitefish Bay.

That was over 14 years ago, and since that time, the 94 year-old Grimm had shown up four days a week - even in the coldest weather - to work over the lunch hours as a cafeteria and playground monitor.

"I like to keep busy," said Grimm, "and I really enjoy being with the children every day."

Grimm often looked like a slightly older version of a student, blending into the playground crowd with her gym shoes and bright red St. Monica sweatshirt. In general, she helped to keep order in the cafeteria and the playground. She oversaw the recess games so they didn't get too rowdy, made sure lunch litter was cleared from tables before students headed outside and helped the little ones fasten coats and tie shoes. Throughout the years, in one way or another, all St. Monica students were touched by her kindness, generosity, and warm spirit.

"She was more energetic than I was some days," says younger colleague Margaret Bohannon, a teacher aide at the school who worked with Grimm in supervising the lunchroom and playground.

Grimm came to St. Monica School after hearing about the job opening from her brother. She had worked many years for a downtown bank, and after the loss of her husband had come out of retirement the first time to help out at the bank again. When her only daughter died, she took in her four grandchildren and raised them. Her grandson, David, a Whitefish Bay crossing guard, drove her to St. Monica for her job.

"The children are very nice to work with, and I rarely have any trouble with them," said Grimm. "They are all so sweet and friendly."

Grimm's energy and enthusiasm impressed school administrators. "When my predecessor was going through personnel records and discovered Marie was 90, she couldn't believe it," says principal Karen Rambadt. Grimm remembered at the time she was a little worried that school officials might think she was too old for the job.

There was never any danger of that. "She was a treasure and an inspiration to all of us," says Rambadt.