Penny "Ella Mae" Grince

Penny (Ella Mae) Grince, 92, died peacefully on December 30th, 2015. She was born on June 11th, 1923 on a farm near Toledo, Ohio to Faye and Leonard LaRoe. She then grew up and lived in Toledo, Ohio until 1983. She was a resident of Albuquerque for the last 32 years. She married Donald Grince in 1947, and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage. Penny started her own catering business in the late 1950's and built it into a thriving enterprise. Customers raved about her fantastic cooking and excellent service. Many people planned their events months in advance in order to ensure her availability. Penny and Don retired to Albuquerque in 1983, where she soon found herself busy demonstrating cooking appliances and kitchen tools at American Home and other retailers. She and Don also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and Laughlin, where she was very lucky at the slots. In addition, they loved league bowling with their many friends. After Don passed in 1999, Penny boldly continued her independent living-bowling three days a week and still making profitable trips to the casinos-until 2011, when her health ailments slowed her down. She continued to live in her own home until July of this year, when a fall required her moving to La Vida Llena's Healthcare Unit. We shall miss her many stories, her laughter, her homemade specialties, and the unconditional love she showed us all. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Robert, Lewis, Kenneth, and Richard; and her husband, Donald. She is survived by her daughters: Patricia Schuman (Marvin) of St. Louis, Barbara Shirrod (Terry) of Albuquerque, and her granddaughters: Christina Pilgrim (Corey) of San Diego, and Kimberley Jibladze (Malhaz) of Washington, DC.
On Monday, January 4th, there will be a visitation from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. On Tuesday, January 5th, there will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, with the funeral service to follow at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Luke Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.