MAY L. GRONBERG

May L Gronberg Known for her love of family, friends, and life, May Gronberg died on Thursday, December 23, 2010 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born on the Fourth of July in 1933 to Swedish immigrants Charlie and Selma Ekstrom she grew up in Chicago. She moved to California with her family at age 11 and graduated from Hayward High in 1950 at only 16. Her passion for dancing introduced her to Richard Gronberg whom she married. They settled in Novato in 1959 to raise a family. Though born and raised in the US, she spoke fluent Swedish and treasured her Swedish heritage and traditions. A devoted mom to daughter Linda (John), sons Carl (Gina), and Paul (Barbra), she involved herself with PTA, sewing recital costumes, water and snow ski adventures and many memorable family vacations. Her home was regularly filled with friends and neighbors parties were plentiful. Who could forget the years of five week Shasta Lake camping trips replete with family and friends visiting? There was rarely a day that the Gronberg's were alone, and she liked it that way. Many similar weekends were spent at Clear Lake and Lake Berryessa. She was a fun and gracious host. Beyond full-time mothering, her many jobs ranged from instructing at Arthur Murray Dance Studios, working at the family furniture store, real estate sales, investing, even driving a taxi in Honolulu. Community involvement included being a nature guide and volunteering at the Novato History Museum. She also loved politics and political debate. May moved to Hawaii in the late `70's. She loved the Hawaiian life with regular ocean swims, singing at the local piano bar, as well as entertaining and playing tour guide to her many visitors. She may well have retired there had it not been for the arrival of grandchildren, Kristen, Brendan, Jenna, Rochelle, Carl (Ben), Sean, and Rion who all referred to her as "Tutu," Hawaiian for Grandma. Several years after returning to California, May was reacquainted with former classmate, Rusty Wilson. They became loving companions until Rusty's recent passing. May's hobbies included polka and ballroom dancing, playing piano, skiing (snow and water), swimming, community theater, and playing a mean game a of Scrabble. Never one to miss out on life's offerings, she experienced, hot air ballooning, flying lessons, snorkeling, motorcycle and Sea Doo rides. She also enjoyed extensive travel having visited many European countries, China, Australia, Tahiti, Alaska, and numerous cruise destinations. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is also survived by her loving sister Jean LaVoie. We will all miss May's sense of humor and infectious laugh. "Aloha Tutu..." A Memorial Service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Novato Friday, January 7, at 1PM, 710 Wilson Ave., Novato, CA. All who knew her are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1317 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.curemeso.org