Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT 4/20/1999

Ann R. Grant

July 13, 1921 - April 19, 1999

SOUTH BEND - Ann R. Grant, 77, of Northside Boulevard, passed away on Monday morning, April 19, in Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center, after suffering a massive stroke on Saturday evening.

Ann was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed for always being kind-hearted, supportive, and the glue that held her family together. Ann gave love to those around her unconditionally and didn't play favorites - she loved every one of her children and grandchildren equally - as only she could.

Ann is survived by her husband, Thomas B., after 48 years of marriage. Tom, with daughters, Debi Grant-Smith of Onalaska, Wis., Karen Grant of Tampa, Fla., Michele Grant of Apple Valley, Minn., Patrice Grant-Spychalski and Tammy Alstott, both of South Bend; a brother, Jim Ralph of South Bend; grandchildren, Thomas Fielder, Jr., Nicole and Eddie Spychalski, Jessica and Alyssa Alsott, both of South Bend; feel empty inside for this great loss, but profoundly glad to have had her in their lives. She gave all of herself to make life easier and better for everyone she touched. That included her ever-loyal dog, Alex.

She was born in Chicago to Laurence and Lillian Cahill Ralph, and grew up in Racine, Wis., and Kalamazoo, Mich., before coming to South Bend, where she lived for 50 years. While raising her family she worked as an executive secretary at Drewery's Brewery, Notre Dame and IUSB.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in St. Anthony's Parish, where Ann was a member for over 25 years.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Hickey Funeral Home, 3516 Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, where a Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery.

She loved the sight and smell of beautiful flowers, or donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.