Joan G. Grimley

Joan G. Grimley (Leahey), age 96, passed away on November 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Joan was born on July 31, 1929 in Hamtramck, MI.
She is survived by her loving and devoted children, Joseph H. and Julie (Jeff) Lundgren, and her loving grandsons, Jeffrey and Joseph Lundgren. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Dr. Joseph E. Grimley, and her twin sister, Jean.
As a young girl, Joan moved with her family to the East side of Detroit. She lived on the beautiful tree-lined Drexel Avenue until her marriage.
Joan attended St. John Berchmans elementary school and St. Anthony's High School in Detroit, graduating in 1947.
During her high school years, she worked at the soda fountain at Sander's on Jefferson, riding the bus there each day after school and on Saturdays to work to pay for her school tuition.
In her early twenties, Joan worked for the personnel director at Square D Company in Detroit, where she met her future husband, Joe Grimley, on his first day of work. Joe knew when he met her that he would marry her. They were married on May 16, 1953 at St. John Berchmans Church in Detroit. Two years later, Joe was accepted into University of Detroit Dental School. During those years, Joan continued to work full time, and also welcomed their two children, Joseph H. and Julie.
In 1960, the family moved to Warren, MI, where they raised their children. Joan and Joe created a warm and welcoming home and many of their neighbors and friends fondly recall the good times at the Grimley house. In 1977, they moved their family to Shelby Twp., where Joan lived until the time of her passing.
Joan enjoyed traveling, and with Joe, took their children on many adventures to Europe, various states and Northern Michigan. She also attended every kids' sporting event, choir concert and awards ceremony, often bring drinks and snacks for everyone.
Joan was a fantastic cook – food was her love language. She maintained a youthful figure her whole life, while encouraging others to eat! She insisted on preparing every holiday dinner well into her 90's. No one could provide a more festive birthday, Christmas or Thanksgiving.
She was also an avid gardener and would propagate cuttings of her favorite annuals and transplant them with care. Her yard was something to behold in the summer months with annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs. Joan enjoyed this hobby well into her 90's
Besides being the best stay-at-home Mom, Joan was the best Grandma Joanie to her grandsons, Jeffrey and Joey, often having the kids for fun overnight stays and taking them to library and nature events with Papa Joe.
In recent years, Joan experienced declining health. Her children took turns staying with her and providing care at home until the last few weeks of her life.
The family would like to thank her wonderful doctors for their excellent care: Dr. Stacy Richards, Dr. Erica Jarcaig, Dr. Robert Go and Dr. Mitchell Folbe, as well as Beaumont Hospice and the compassionate team of nurses and aides that cared so lovingly for our Mom and Grandma in her final days.
Family Forever
A private memorial luncheon will be held in the Spring.