Jean Grieve

Jean Carol (Kimen) Grieve
July 2, 1943 - September 13, 2025

Jean Carol (Kimen) Grieve passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, after a seven-year journey with complications from a stroke. Until the very end, Jean maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, and deep appreciation for beauty. She expressed gratitude for her long life, one filled with love, laughter, and countless meaningful experiences.

Jean's life can be beautifully summed up by four "F" words — Family, Friends, Flowers, and Fun. In her nearly 80 years, she was blessed with an abundance of each.

Family

Jean spent her early years in Pittsford, Pennsylvania with her mother and younger sister, Nancy (Kimen) Leonard. She built close friendships early on, many of which lasted throughout her life.

In college, Jean was introduced to Alexander "Al" Grieve through a mutual friend — a meeting that began a lifelong partnership. Jean and Al shared a loving and supportive marriage for 51 years, until Al's passing in 2017. Together they raised two children, Jen (Grieve) Smith and Chris Grieve, and created a home filled with warmth, love, and beauty.

Becoming a grandmother was one of Jean's greatest joys. She treasured every moment with her grandchildren, Anna Houghton and Justin Pearson, from baking cookies and attending school performances to simply spending time together. She delighted in her role as "Grandma Jean" and poured her heart into creating lasting memories.

Friends

Jean cherished her friendships and nurtured them through every stage of life. She maintained lifelong friends from Pennsylvania, Allegany College, her teaching and legal careers, and from the many communities she called home — including Snohomish, Wenatchee, and her winter home in Arizona.

Whether through book club gatherings, doll club meetings, shared meals, neighborhood get-togethers, or heartfelt phone calls, Jean's friendships were a central part of her life. She was not only loved as a friend — she was a truly good friend. Like the flowers she photographed, Jean understood that friendships require care and attention, and she tended to them faithfully.

Flowers

Jean discovered her passion for flower photography later in life. She loved capturing the beauty of blossoms that were lovingly grown by her husband, Al. Jean turned her photos into greeting cards that brought joy to others. Her cards were always a special treat to receive, each one a reflection of her keen eye for beauty and her gentle spirit.

Fun

Jean approached life with curiosity and enthusiasm. She loved adventure, learning, and creating joyful experiences for those around her. She planned summer "field trips" for her grandchildren, exploring everything from beaches to museums.

Jean and Al shared a love of travel, taking family trips to Mexico, New York, Hawaii, Disneyland, and Florida. Together, they explored the world; visiting Israel, China, Italy, and many destinations across the United States and Europe. Some of her fondest memories included boating around the San Juan Islands, attending theater performances, concerts, sporting events, and family game nights.

Career and Passion for Learning

Teaching was one of Jean's greatest passions. After earning her degree, she began her career as a science teacher in Selah, Washington, where her love for nature earned her the affectionate nickname "The Bug Lady." She had a gift for sparking curiosity in her students and was known for her collections of insects, gems, and rocks.

While raising her children, Jean worked as a substitute teacher, later transitioning into a career as a paralegal and eventually as an administrative assistant for Snohomish County. No matter the role, she brought diligence, intelligence, and kindness to her work.

A Life Well Lived

Jean was a gem of a person — gracious, kind, and deeply appreciative of the life she lived. Even in her later years, she made friends easily at her assisted living communities, quickly becoming a favorite of both residents and caregivers.

She often expressed her gratitude for the blessings in her life: a loving family, devoted friends, and a lifetime of wonderful memories. Jean truly embodied the meaning of a life well lived.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband Al Grieve, and her parents Carol and Peter Kimen. She is survived by her children Jen Smith and Chris Grieve, grandchildren Anna Houghton and Justin Pearson, great-grandchildren Liliana and Hudson Houghton, her sister Nancy Leonard, and nieces Kristen and Rebecca.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for Jean Grieve will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave., Mukilteo, WA 98275. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the beautiful life of Jean Carol Grieve.

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