Tessie "Tess" Grimm

Tessie "Tess" Grimm, 91, of Evansville, beloved wife of 58 years, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at her daughter, Jennifer's home June 4, 2025. Tess was born in Manhattan, NY on December 11, 1933, to the late Catherine Papaharacambos and Jacques Coussoulos.
Tess leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, friendship, and philanthropy.
Tess's early years were shaped by both responsibility and resilience. Growing up in New York City, she helped care for her younger siblings and spoke only Greek until the age of six. Her independent spirit emerged early, walking to school by herself in first grade and taking her younger siblings through Central Park at age nine. As a young child, she prayed fervently for a mother but learned to be grateful and thankful for the gift of her faith in the Lord.
During her teenage years, Tess and her siblings relocated to Newport News, Virginia, to live with their father. After graduating from high school, she began working at the Transportation Research and Development Station at Fort Eustis, VA. Her adventurous spirit led her to become a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines, stationed in Atlanta, Georgia. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ron Grimm. Tess and Ron married on September 23, 1956, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Evansville. After settling in Evansville, Tess worked at Mead Johnson Terminal and Alcoa, and later joined Ron in the family business, Grimm Lumber.
Philanthropy and service to the Evansville community were a central force throughout Tess's life. For 22 years, she served as the dedicated director of the Reitz Home Museum, where she shared her tireless passion for history and preservation with everyone who entered the beloved Victorian landmark. Tess also considered it a great honor to serve as a member of The Junior League of Evansville, The Evansville Philharmonic Guild, Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science Guild, Evansville Children's Theatre, Arts Council of SWI, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, UE Theatre Society, The Hope Gallery Gala Committee, A Network of Evansville Women (President), Evansville Rotary, Preservation Alliance of Evansville (Secretary), Weed and Seed Garden Club and St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Vestry, Fellowship Committee, Building and Grounds Committee).
Tess was honored as part of YWCA's 100 Years "100 Women Celebration" and received many awards including Junior League of Evansville Helen Klamer Philp Award, Vanderburgh County Mayor's Arts Award, Evansville Rotary Paul Harris Award, Athena Finalist, Visionary Award by Evansville Celebration of Leadership, and Preservation Alliance of Evansville Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, Tess was the recipient of three City of Evansville Proclamations, one awarded by Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel and two by Mayor Lloyd Winnecke; as well as an Indiana Senate Resolution, awarded by Senator Vaneta Becker, honoring her commitment to service and civic engagement.
Her awards paled in comparison to the joy and privilege of being a mother to Karen Ward (Matthew) of Lawrenceville, GA, Robert Grimm (Linda) of Yorba Linda, CA, Jennifer Parker (Andy) of Evansville, IN; grandmother to J.D. Frizzell (Emily), Jessica Frizzell (Alex), Taylor D'Arlon, Erica Grimm, Andrew Parker, Katie Parker, Alex Parker, Max Parker and Hope Parker; great grandmother to Ronald Henry Frizzell, Elliott Frizzell, Luna Frizzell and Estlin Frizzell.
She will also be greatly missed by many friends and family members including her siblings Helen Marshall and George Coussoulos (Su).
Tess will be fondly remembered by many for her love of entertaining and her warm, welcoming hospitality. She delighted in the art of hosting, whether it was an elegant dinner party or a simple gathering, and took great joy in attending to every thoughtful detail. She especially cherished her tradition of Christmas dinners complete with silver, china, fresh flowers and of course a seating chart! Tess's gift for hospitality extended far beyond formal occasions; well into her late 80s, she was still preparing meals for new neighbors and those in need, always offering kindness and care through the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
Tess was known for her elegant, timeless sense of style - always impeccably put together, from her hair and makeup to her perfectly polished nails. Yet, she often said that the most important accessory was a smile. In her words, "You are never fully dressed without a smile." Tess truly embodied this belief, radiating grace and positivity even in the face of life's challenges. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and the power of prayer sustained her through difficult times and gave her strength when it was needed most. A truly lovely lady, Tess had no time for pettiness, jealousy, or complaining. Instead, she embraced life with gratitude, firmly believing that there was always something to be thankful for.
Her friends, from her dinner club, dance and tennis groups, bridge and Pilates circles, to her many nonprofit and professional affiliations, enriched her days and filled her with energy, joy and a deep love for life.
Tess loved others wholeheartedly, and that love was returned to her many times over. Her family extends profound gratitude to all who cared for her, especially her devoted angels - Jennifer #2, Taryn, and Janet - whose compassion and presence brought comfort, grace and dignity to her final days.
In addition to her parents, Tess was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Albert Grimm and granddaughter, Hope Naomi Parker.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025 at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Ave., Evansville. Visitation will continue from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 301 SE First St., Evansville. Funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the church with the Reverend Holly Rankin Zaher officiating.
Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Hope Gallery (The Alex and Ali Foundation), 512 W. Main St., Newburgh, IN 47630, Reitz Home Museum, 112 Chestnut St., Evansville, IN 47713 or St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 301 SE First St., Evansville, IN 47713.