Anne Wilson Grande

Anne and I were colleagues and professional friends for the past 42 years; I beginning at at county law library in MI and later at the Federal Court in Boston. Her smiling face was always one of the first things I looked for at each AALL or State, Court & County meeting. She will be greatly missed by her many friends. My heart goes out to her family during this difficult time.

Anne was an early friend after Barbara and I moved to Minnesota from New York in the early 1970s She was a brand-new law librarian in the old Courthouse law library. She made the practice of law easier for a freshman lawyer in those pre-electronic days. Warm and selfless, with a real sense of humor -- a rare human being.

Jonathan Scoll

Anne was in the class of docents I taught from 2005-2007 at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. I have often thought about her over the last few years. She was enthusiastic, intelligent, always well prepared for presentations, and a delight to have in the docent program. We miss her very much and wish her family some measure of comfort in this sad time.

As a professional colleague, I saw Ann infrequently, but I still recall her enthusiasm, her love of her profession and her willingness to serve it with such distinction. My condolences to her family and friends.

I did not know Anne personally, but admired her energy and involvement in so many things. I remember you gave a talk at AALL one time. But what I remember most about Anne was her running at the Fun Runs, usually near the top. I'm so sorry she died so young.

Mimi Greenwood
Albuquerque, NM

Dear Denis, Anne was my very best friend in high school and in college. Every person has regrets, and mine is that I did not keep in touch with Anne over the years. I have thought of her often, and in addition to her brilliance and beauty, I remember best her astonishing wit. I remember her as absolutely the best! I am thinking of you and your family. Tija Spitsberg,

Anne was a beautiful person, inside and out. I served with her on the board of AALL. She was always prepared, always upbeat, always encouraging. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends. She is gone too soon.

I was very sad to hear of Anne's passing. I was a colleague of her's on the Roundtable group. She was a pleasure to be around;vivacious,bright and informed. My deepest sympathy to her husband and children. Ralph Monaco, New York Law Institute.

i was a sorority sister of anne's at iowa state. she was the star of the kappa house. she was beautiful, bright, caring, and ALWAYS smiling. i am so sorry for her family, and especially pick and rena. my deepest sympathy to you all. fondly, ann jensen collins

Denis, Peter and Emily, I was so sad when I read about Anne when I was in Minneapolis last week. Denis, I remember when Anne entered your life so many years ago and what joy she brought to you.

my deepest sympathy,

jim balogh

Dear Grande family- I studied with Anne at Simmons Library School, and in my work as a librarian here in Minnesota I kept in touch with her once in a while. She was an inspiration - she had spirit, intelligence, compassion and unbounded enthusiasm for life. She was, in fact, a LEGEND - she was the Law Library personified. Everyone knew of her and loved and respected her. I send my deepest sympathy for this loss.

Grande Family - I am Kathleen Danford's sister; and, through my frequent conversations with her, I have walked with and prayed for Anne throughout her courageous battle. Through Kath and my mother, I know Anne was a very beautiful and proud person. Cherish those memories of her smile, her touch and the wonderful ways she touched so many people. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Denis, Peter & Emily--
I am so very sorry for the unimagineable loss that Anne's passing brings to all of you. The world has lost a truly beautiful person. It's been so many years since I have seen any of you, but all of you hold a very dear and special place in my heart. It was my honor and pleasure to get to spend so many Saturday nights with you-- Peter & Emily as kids. And Anne was this amazing person I always looked up to with admiration (and a little awe). Her elegance, intelligence and unbeleivable organization are all things I still strive to emulate. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your memories of Anne's warmth, laugh, and love will help sustain you in the days and weeks to come.
Sending much love to all.

Dear Denis (AKA "Goofy"),
From reading the messages in Anne's Guest Book it is overwhelmingly obvious what a wonderful woman she was and what a great life you had together. Her influence and impact is obvious from the varied locations of her Guest Book entries. Peter and Emily are most fortunate to have had both of you for parents.

Even though our paths crossed so many "former lives" ago, I wanted to acknowledge how much I care...and share your loss.

Peter, Emily, Denis, and Gummy

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Anne was such an amazing person and will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hope to see you soon.

John, Alexis, and John Francis Kaufman

Grande Family – I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen your family, but remember your wife/mom as a high energy, fun loving person who always had a smile on her face. Your family will be in my thoughts.

Dear Denis and family, Our hearts go out to you. We will miss Anne's beautiful smiling face and her wonderful personality.We will greatly miss our Florida sunshine friend and neighbor. We love you Denis. You are a very special person. In Florida, we watched you take care of your beloved girlfriend Anne during her illness. Love,Joy & Roger

Denis and Family:

We are so saddened to hear about Anne’s passing. Anne was truly a very special person. We know it has been a very difficult time for all of you.

Jim & Debbie Hagen

Dear Grande family,
I am so very sorry to hear that Anne has passed away. I will remember her as a classy, gracious, professional and kind woman. No one can fill her shoes - she will be greatly missed by the law library community.

We are so sorry to hear of Anne's passing..Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and may your fond memories sustain you all during this difficult time..With sympathy, Penny, Bill Homeyer and family

I had the pleasure of, as an attorney, getting guidance over the years from Anne. The best way I can describe her is "elegant." Our community has lost a friend and teacher.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Anne was a wonderful bright light in this world.

Denis and Family: David and I were so sorry to hear of Anne's passing. We both enjoyed our time at HCLL working with Anne. Peter and Emily: Your Mom loved you so much. David and I moved away when you were still very young, so we didn't get to see you grow into adults. I'm sure you're lovely, caring adults -- just like your Mom. We send our sincere sympathy. David Lutes and Linda Erickson

Our Dad, Donal O'Donnell Sr. loved his Table 6 friends and especially Anne Grande. You were all his "other family" and we sometimes based "our" family gatherings around your dinner parties. Denis.. we are so sorry for this tremendous loss and we will never forget the joy and love you and Anne brought to our Dad. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Most sincerely, Donal O'Donnell II and family (Julie, Molly and Abbey)

I was so sorry to hear that Anne had passed away. Anne, Kathleen and I had such fond memories of playing golf together Thursday mornings at ECC. I especially enjoyed spending time with her at the US Women's Open. Denis, Peter and Emily, you are in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Dennis, Peter, Emily, Gummy and Daisy,

I am heartbroken to hear that Anne has passed away. She was an amazing combination of intelligence, grace and had such a wonderful sense of humor. I loved the peeks I got into Table 6 parties when I was lucky enough to sneak an invite. Her friendship meant so much to my parents.

My thoughts are with you all and I wish for peace for you in the coming days.

With much love,

Many years ago, Anne held a party for a librarian, who was leaving the law library after 11 years. She and Denis hosted a fabulous dinner in their home. Of course, the food and drink were carefully chosen and thoroughly enjoyed, but what I remember most was their careful attention to each person in attendance. They were charming and entertaining and definitely a good time was had by all!

Denis and Family-
Brother Michael Collins and the entire DeLaSalle community sends it's prayers to you. Draw strength in your faith, family, and friends. With our condolences.....

It is a time of reflection and introspection.......Anne was one of the finest people we have ever known!! The process of life and death creates deep feelings of loss in our hearts for you and your family. We will always be here for you Denny. Love, Ed and Michelle

Dear Denis, Peter and Emily:

Speaking as a member of the MIA docent class of 2005, I want you to know how much I loved Anne and looked forward to her companionship (and food offerings!!) every Wednesday for the two years of our docent training. I had the great privilege of sharing a hotel room with Anne during our docent class's celebratory trip to New York the fall after our graduation in 2007. Anne and I spent many hours together during those three days exploring the city and its museums. I will treasure those memories more than I can say.

My thoughts are with all of you.

To Anne's family: My very first legal job in law school was at the Hennepin County Law Library (1979-1980). I was hired by Anne and greatly enjoyed working for her. I trained judges, law clerks, prosecutors and others in the County on how to use a computer and the new-fangled research tool called Westlaw. Some of the older Judges & Prosecutors refused to even touch the keyboard of the computer - they were too afraid of getting shocked, I guess. I learned a lot from Anne.

Gloria E. Bogen, Executive Director, Legal Assistance of Washington County, Inc.

Dennis,

You and your family have so much to be thankful for in the life that Anne had with you and so much to grieve for her loss. I loved the obituary and your choice of picture.
Shalom, Steve and Myrna Aldrich

Denis, Peter & Emily, There are so many great memories of Anne from our 38 years of friendship. She was a great person in every way. She was loving, giving, and fun! She will always be part of who I am. Shirley David

I am deeply saddened to learn about Anne's death but find joy in reviewing her rich and full life. Anne warmly welcomed me when I joined the MALL community. To me and to many other law librarians she was both a mentor and an inspiration. I will keep her and her family in my thoughts and prayers.

Denis, Peter and Emily,
I'm deeply saddened to hear about dear Anne's passing. My heart breaks for you. We shared so many fun times throughout the years. Anne always kept us laughing. I'll never forget her great spirit or that twinkle in her eyes. She touched the lives of so many people with her cheerful and bubbly personality.I will miss her ....
With deepest sympathy,

Dear Grande Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Anne's passing. I always enjoyed her visits to Edina Country Club. She touched my heart and will be truely missed. What a remarkable family you are. I think the world of all of you.
You have my most heartfelt sympathy along with my love and prayers. Colleen (from Edina Country Club)

Years ago I was on a winter vacation with the Grandes. The kids were little and running around, music was blaring, dinner prep was in full swing and Denis...oh, I can't call him that, it was Goof back then, was elbow deep in hamburger patties when the Temptations song "My Girl" started playing. He got that "goofy" look on his face, dropped the burgers, washed his hands and went over and asked Anne to dance. That beautiful smile lit up her face, she took his hand and they were off...and the other guys got alot of dirty looks. I'll remember it always..and I am so very, very sorry for your loss.

Dear Family of Anne,

As I've said to others, your wife, mother and daughter was a woman of grace, wit and style. We were friends through our law library world, and I treasure the moments we shared -- laughing, plotting, drinking. We were all lucky to have been in Anne's orbit, and I know that despite the relief that the Big C is no longer tormenting her, we will all miss her terribly.

Judy Meadows
State Law Librarian of Montana

Anne was a kind, caring person who had a positive impact on so many lives as she quietly and professionally did her job. I feel honored to have known her and worked with her in professional associations. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss.

Dear Grande family,
I was so sorry to hear about Anne's passing. It was my delight to play with Anne in a tennis league a few years ago and she made it so much fun. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Blessings,
Cindy Schultz

Dear Dennis, Peter and Emily. Although not unexpected, it is still difficult to imagine that Anne is gone. We have been colleagues and friends for more than 30 years and on a regular basis I heard of your comings and goings. Anne was smart, gracious, funny and beautiful. Her love of the law library was only exceeded by the love of her wonderful family. I extend my deepest condolences and wish you all comfort in the knowledge that she was loved and admired by everyone who knew her. Marcia J Koslov (LA Law Library)

I am so sorry to learn of Anne's death. She was a vivacious and lovely person - a terrific law librarian who was happy to mentor new law librarians into the profession. The great law library she served with distinction for so many years is a testament to her compassion and ingenuity. I will miss her cheerful presence in our profession. I am so very sorry for your loss. With sympathy, Penny Hazelton, Gallagher Law Library, University of Washington School of Law.

Dear Grande Family- I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time. Blessings, Molly (Foster) Borg

Dear Grande Family -

I'm so sorry to hear the news of your mom / wife this morning. Absolutely breaks my heart for you guys. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Sincerely,
Kristen Boulware

When I think of Anne, I think of the word "classy". She portrayed a blend of intellect, grace, friendliness and sense of humor. Someone with all that could be intimidating but she wasn't. It was also obvious how important her family was to her. My heart goes out to her family, especially Denis, Peter and Emily. There are no words. Hopefully it helps to know there are many people who care.

Dear Denis,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.

We always looked forward to seeing Anne on Thursday mornings at ECC. We will always remember how gracious and kind she was to the entire golf staff.

Her smile and sense of humor will be missed.

Sincerely,
Marty, Michelle, and the golf shop staff at ECC