WOOSTER. Pearl Knox Grosjean, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 30. She has been a resident of Wooster since 1961, when she married Walter Childs Grosjean.
She was born on September 29, 1934 in Kilkeel, County Down, Northern Ireland, the youngest in a family of six children. Upon completion of her secondary education in Kilkeel, she moved to London, England at the age of 17 to train as a nurse. In London, she attained the equivalent of a registered nursing degree at St. Charles Hospital. She then obtained advanced, dual nursing degrees from West Middlesex Hospital in midwifery and from St. Nicolas Hospital in London in surgical nursing.
Following her nursing training, Pearl moved back to Northern Ireland where she worked in Belfast as a district nurse providing obstetric, pre-natal and post-natal in-home care to patients throughout her district. In 1958, she accepted an invitation to work as a surgical nurse in Lakewood Hospital where she worked for three years. She met her husband on a blind date in October, 1960, married on June 3, 1961 and made Wooster her home.
Pearl was active in many civic activities and served as President of the Junior Women’s Club, Wooster Civic Club, Wooster 18 Hole Ladies Golf Association and Chapter DF of the PEO sisterhood. She was also a member of Travelers Club, Colony Club and served on the board of the Chautauqua Women’s Club. She organized the first Parental Aid to Teachers (PAT) program at Parkview Elementary School which later expanded to the entire Wooster City School system.
She enjoyed playing tennis, golf, bridge and gourmet cooking. She and Walter travelled extensively throughout the world in their later years. Pearl remained faithful to her Irish heritage and returned to Northern Ireland with great frequency. She was happiest when in the company of her immediate and extended family.
Pearl was preceded in death by her father, James Knox, her mother, Margaret Nicholson Knox, Thomas James Knox (infant brother), Samuel Knox (brother), James Knox (brother), Lily Graham (sister), Stella Chambers (sister) and her husband, Walter C. Grosjean. She is survived by her three children, Julie (Dag) Skattum, Heidi (Jack) Gant and Scott (Jennifer) Grosjean together with five grandchildren, Lars (Shannon), Erik and Nils Skattum and Megan and Trevor (Emma) Gant. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, many of whom still live in Kilkeel.
Pearl’s family extends its deepest appreciation and thanks to the many individuals and support teams, including Wooster Hospice Lifecare, who provided compassionate and reliable care.
A private family memorial will be held.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made in Pearl’s name to Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare, 1900 Akron Rd. Wooster, Ohio 44691 or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Mrs Grosjean was a very lovely lady. Heidi was in same class as Rebecca.
I enjoyed both Walt and Pearl. Walt always greeted and spoke to me when I arrived at HealthPoint. I would leave HealthPoint and often encounter Pearl at Buehlers. She always greeted me when she saw me and I cherished our little chats in the food aisles or at WCC. Both just lovely people & I have thought of them often❤️
Mrs. Grosjean often visited Friendtique and the Nest. She was a pleasant customer.
To Heidi: Sympathy on the loss of your Mother. May happy memories be a Blessing.
Pearl was truly a lady in all good meanings of the word. Gentle, thoughtful, kind. She and her loving smile will be missed by many. Good memories; good thoughts to her family.
When Pearl spent time at Chautauqua Institution and the Women’s Club there, I had many occasions to talk with her. And her wonderful hubby, Walter. What a classy gal and so friendly. They made a such a cute couple. She brightened my days working at the clubhouse. I wish you all healing of the heart and I will miss seeing her in the summers at Chautauqua.
So sorry for your loss.
You are in our prayers