Mary Grant

Grant (Brainard), Mary Elizabeth "Mimi"

of Dayton, Ohio passed away peacefully in her home on July 21, 2025. Mimi was born on February 28, 1941 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Walter and Elizabeth "Betty" (Laufman) Brainard. She spent her childhood in Point Breeze, PA, graduating from The Ellis School in 1959. She moved to Dayton in 1964. Mimi was a masterful hostess, a talented needlepointer, and a wonderful chef. She made friends easily and found great joy in gathering with loved ones. As a result, she had more friends than anyone could ever count and deeply enjoyed spending time with each and every one. She had a wonderful sense of humor, surprising her family and friends with silly pranks, quick comebacks, and hilarious commentary. She loved dressing up in mystery costumes for Halloween, allowing her grandchildren to give her funny makeovers and hair-dos, and laughing until her belly ached. She was delighted by spontaneous adventures and said yes to just about anything. She had a big sweet tooth and was known for keeping all sorts of treats in jars in every corner of her home. She always, always saved room for dessert. Mimi's best days were spent in the sunshine. She loved lounging by the pool in Palm Beach and sitting on the dock at Higgins Lake. She was always impeccably dressed and somehow had the perfect matching headband and shoes for every outfit. Despite her many talents, Mimi never accepted a compliment, instead deflecting praise back on those who sent it her way. She spent her days thinking of others, showering the people around her with gifts, food, and aid of any kind; her generosity was truly unmatched. Mimi was a hopeless romantic who cherished her own and others' love stories. She adored her husband, whom she affectionately referred to as "peanut." She remained deeply in love with him through her final days. Most of all, Mimi was a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother. Her love shined bright and warm, as she graced her family with constant attention and admiration. Her all-consuming hugs, enthusiastic greetings, and hyperbolic expressions of love will be missed by all. Mimi is survived by her daughter, Liz (Charlie) Schroeder; brother, Jim Brainard; grandchildren, Kingsley (Rachael) Schroeder and Thiele (Liam) Donovan; great-grandchildren, Dewey and Wylie Schroeder; and devoted caregiver, Iva Moxey. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Rick" Grant III, who was her best friend and the love of her life. Memorial Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11am. A reception will follow at Moraine Country Club. There will be a private burial at Centerville Cemetery for family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mimi's name to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.routsong.com.