Margaret M. Grindle

MARGARET M. GRINDLE

Margaret Mary Grindle, (née Kalesse) born August 6, 1937, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2022. It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our beloved Peg, the mother of Susan Grindle (deceased) and Cynthia Grindle (JD) of Jacksonville, FL, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews (numerous spouses), and seventeen great-nieces and nephews.  Peg was the second oldest daughter of the late Charles and Genevieve Kalesse and sister of Genevieve Phillips (Ed, deceased), Patricia Buchanan (Norm), and Robert Kalesse Sr. (Terrie).

Peg was born and raised in Port Richmond’s St. Anne’s parish and graduated from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School, Class of 1954. In June of 1958 she married the love of her life, William (Bill) Grindle Jr. (deceased) and together they raised their family in St. Bernard’s parish in Mayfair. 

Peg was affectionately known as GMom to her seven grandchildren, Stephen Sr., Alyssa, Eric, Suzanne, Melissa, Amber, and Joseph, and her eight great-grandchildren, Stephen Jr., Karder, Andrew, Frederick, Alyena, Malayah, Richard, and Josiah.  Although she lived quite a distance from many of them, she felt so blessed when they would send cards and pictures, visit in-person, or reach out over the phone to talk or do FaceTime.   

In the ‘80’s, Peg was given a nickname of Aunt Trini by a few of her nieces and nephews as a result of her fondness for Fannie May Trinidads…a chocolate candy she would purchase for herself on ‘the Avenue’ but end up sharing with family at the annual Christmas party. Peg had a big sweet tooth and a bigger heart! 

The wait staff at the Mayfair Diner knew and loved Peg and would often ask about her children and grandchildren when she’d come in for a bite to eat. The diner was her favorite place to grab some good food and conversation before heading to Nabisco for the night shift. On Saturdays after Mass, she would bring her little grandson, Stephen (Sr.), to the diner, and of course the waitresses would fuss all over him.  Even at such a young age, Stephen was a charmer and Peg just LOVED showing him off. 

Growing up, Peg became a lover of movies and the stars of the silver screen.  She would often tell a story of how when she was a child, she and her aunt would go to the local theater and stay for HOURS, watching the same movie over and over until they got kicked out of the theater, into the dark and definitely late for dinner!!  

Over the years Peg eventually became an expert on all things ‘movie’ related.  You name a movie, and Peg would know the leading man (or woman), the character(s) they portrayed, and quite often some little tid-bit about the movie.  And when she was stumped, which wasn’t often, her brother Bob would covertly come to her rescue using an online app, IMDb (International Movie Database).  She was always impressed at how smart her ‘little‘ brother was, until he’d fess up and share his ‘source’, making her laugh out loud!!

A retiree of the Nabisco Company, Peg would often reminisce about her time on the Mallomar cookie line which made us wonder if she and her coworkers ever became flustered like Lucy & Ethel did on their candy line in the hysterical episode of “I Love Lucy”.  Regardless, Peg kept us entertained with her stories and made many friends during her time at Nabisco.

Being married to Bill, Peg eventually became an avid Phillies and Eagles fan and after his death, Peg enjoyed discussing the game, the players, and of course, the play-by-play action with her brother Bob. If the phone rang after a game ended, we knew it HAD to be Peg calling! We will miss her phone calls but we know she’ll be singing the EAGLES fight song this season from up in heaven! 

Peg will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by surviving family members as a sharp-witted, beautiful and caring sister, mother, GMom, aunt, and friend who ALWAYS remembered everyone’s birthday with a card and when possible, a few dollars.  She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her, especially her devoted daughter Cindy, who she lovingly referred to as ‘her one and only’.  As a family, we are so grateful to God that He has called Peg home to be at peace and pain free.  

A private memorial service will be held at later date in Florida.