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Jean Grua Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jean Grua
Sheila Wrather
August 4, 2023
My name is Sheila Wrather (Johnson). I was an orchestra student of Mrs. Grua for 7 years in the Lansing School District, beginning in 5th grade. I had no exposure to the violin prior to 5th grade but I didn't want to wait until 6th grade for band. I'm so glad I didn't want. Mrs. Grua was an excellent music teacher and in no time at all I was in love with my violin. I was completely committed to learning the notes and the finger placement and daily practice at home. Regularly, I would practice far beyond the required 30 minutes. I played all through middle school and high school, most if that time as First Chair. That First Chair was my pride and joy. I'm so grateful for all of the time I was able to learn from Mrs. Grua. I learned discipline, perseverance and a love for an instrument that otherwise I would never had discovered. I am sorry for the loss of a wonderful teacher and a beautiful lady.
August 14, 2010
Dear Rosemary and family,
I recently returned from a vacation in northern Michigan and read in the Lansing State Journal about your mother. I am so sorry I was not able to attend her service. Your mom was a "special friend" to my folks while they lived at Timber Ridge. We all enjoyed visiting with her -- she shared their love of music and my love of shopping! She always looked so nice and my Dad often told me how "pretty" he thought Jean looked. She certainly will be missed at Timber Ridge. She had become well-known throughout her years there.
You and I were blessed to have our moms for so many years as both lived into their nineties!
Please extend our deepest sympathy to your brother, Mark, and his family. Please know that Tom and I are thinking of all of you during these difficult days. Fondly, Tom and Marye Lynn Lepo
August 13, 2010
Jean has always been an inspiration to me. We worked together at Pattengill. She was the reason I affilliated with the Lansing-East Lansing Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. I loved visiting with her. She was a dedicated, strong, and loving lady, whose friendship I will always cherish. My friend sent me the obituary. I will miss her very much.
Mary Ann Melvin, Guffey, Colorado
Margie Gage
August 12, 2010
I didn't learn of the funeral services for Jean until Tuesday late morning. . . I am so sorry I couldn't be there. Mark and Rosemary: your mother was one-of-a-kind! I am glad she is finally with your dad, and that she's with my folks as well. Can you imagine the party? I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Margie
John Mertz
August 11, 2010
My mother was seated at her table at Timber Ridge so I got to chat with Gene during lunches when I visited. I extend my condolences to you. Mom just died in February. Your mother was nice to talk with and outspoken despite her limitations.
Stephen Magnotta
August 11, 2010
I was fortunate to have known Mrs. Grua and to have learned to play the cello from her while a student at Cumberland School. She made a great impression on me and I still have fond memories of the years I spent studying with her, and playing music with her leading from the piano. She instilled a love of classical music in me, and I still play string instruments almost 50 years later. What a wonderful lady she was.
God bless you, and thank you Mrs. Grua.
August 10, 2010
Russ and I both met Jean through the Lansing School District...she came to both of our schools to teach violin..what a legacy she gave the children..teaching them to play the violin and to love playing it. We went with her to Goodland once, a place she cherished as "home". We visited her a few times at Timber Ridge. Sorry we can't be at the memorial service but wanted to honor your mother's life with this message.
Ardith Lang...Lansing, MI
August 10, 2010
It is late Tuesday night and we just heard about Jean's passing. So sorry that we will not be able to attend the funeral, we are in West Virginia. Jean was a good friend and I will cherish the memories I have of her.
Anna Pence (Lansing, MI)
August 10, 2010
Mark
My thoughts, prayers and fond memories of your Mother are with you and your whole family. Your Mother was a wonderful person and a lady of elegance and style, If my father was still alive, he would share these thoughts. He did your Mom's taxes many years before I got involved.
We send our love and condolences.
James L Shutes
Karen McCumber
August 10, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Jean when she was a Timber Ridge resident along with my grandma Beulah McCumber. Before I'd see grandma, I'd stop in and talk with Jean, sometimes helping her post letters. She was a warm, kind person who was a good friend to my grandma. Although I hadn't seen Jean for several years, I've never forgotten her.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. But now Jean and my grandma are reunited and catching up on Timber Ridge.
Doug & Judy Shaffer
August 10, 2010
Our sincere sympathy to the entire family. To Rosemary and Mark; your mother taught some wonderful lessons to her students throughout her lifetime. She also taught both of you to live wonderful, productive lives, and to be examples to others. What a great legacy for her to leave by continuing to teach others by her example with each new generation in her own family. A great testament to a great lady.
sheila johnson
August 10, 2010
I took lessons from Mrs. Grua from I think 4th grade on thru high school. I absolutely loved the violin and still do and remember her instructions as gold. She was a remarkable music teacher and she molded my love for the violin. I will always remember her. I encouraged both of my daughters to take violin and showed them my reports from Mrs. Grua about my time with her. She was a wonderful lady. My prayers and thoughts as well as appreciation for the time she spent with me to the family. Sheila (Johnson-Bingham, Pattengill, Eastern Schools) Tedhams
Patrick Affholter
August 10, 2010
My wife Susan and I got to know Jean when my in-laws (Vada & Joe Hayes) lived at Timber Ridge Assisted Living. Jean was a kind, caring person and a friend to my mother-in-law and father-in-law as well as to Susan and me. We will always remember her fondly.
Jane McMillian
August 10, 2010
Nearly 40 years ago, Mrs. Grua taught me how to play the violin. At that time, I was a 4th grade student at Bingham Street Elementary School. I will never forget her kind and gentle nature. Mrs. Grua was truly an inspirational teacher; fostering in me, a lifelong love for the "strings."
Mary Miller
August 10, 2010
I would like to give my condolences to all of you Jean was a wonderful person I have worked with her at Timber Ridge for the 8 years that I have been there it will never be the same without the Queen of Timber Ridge I will miss her so much and always be thinking of her I thank all of you for letting me be a part of her life she was very special, Thank You Mary Miller
janet lagrow
August 10, 2010
Nomi: you have been in my life from the moment I met Rosemary; you put me up in your home, shared your family events with me, and always treated me like one of your own. Your life was full, albeit sometimes tragic, but mostly joyful, and spent with your family and friends. God speed, Nomi....Jan
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