Mary F. (Kennedy) Grib

Mary Frances (Kennedy) Grib, 80, passed away on January 28, 2026. Born in Eagle Pass, Texas, Mary’s childhood included stops in Tell City, Indiana, and Rolla, Missouri. She attended the University of Missouri–Rolla and later graduated from Central Missouri State College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education.

After graduation, she moved to St. Louis and began her career as a math teacher at Riverview Gardens East Junior High. She later taught at Riverview Gardens High School, retiring in 1997, and then continued teaching part-time at St. Charles Community College. It was at Riverview (or the after-school happy hours), where she met her husband, the late John Grib, and found lasting friends.

Mary and John married in 1970 and made their home in Florissant, where they raised three children: John Jr. (Allison), Joseph (Carissa), and Christine Grib (Keith Dale). Mary’s heart lived wherever her family was. She poured herself into raising her kids and loved being a grandmother to Leah, Mason, Ella, Jessica, Nicole, and Samantha.

Life in Florissant brought Mary a new circle of enduring friends, and she folded them right into the family “village.” She was the mom who attended every game and recital, planned memorable multi-family vacations, and even served as a Boy Scout Den Mother. She never let the fun end at the final bell; everyone was welcome back at the house for the after-event round. Mary was active in the St. Ferdinand Women’s Club, which she loved for the friendship and laughter and, honestly, a well-earned break from three crazy kids.

She was always welcoming, raising her family in a house where friends, both adults and kids, could stop by anytime. Mary was a “second mom” to countless kids who came through her door, and you could often find her at the table playing cards with them, laughing, and making everyone feel immediately at home (because the card games always came with hidden math lessons). It was a happily lived-in home, complete with John’s clutter, a subtle hint of bleach, and Mary’s beer poured over a full glass of ice.

Mary was fiercely independent and never afraid to speak up, especially when it came to her children and education. As a career educator, she became a strong advocate for what she believed was right and wasn’t afraid to take it on publicly. She successfully pushed for more consistent grading practices, so students had equal opportunities for scholarships and college admissions, and she also helped launch Project Graduation at Hazelwood West, laying the groundwork that turned it into a decades-long tradition.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John Grib; her parents, Frances (Evrard) Kennedy and Robert Kennedy; and her brother, Robert Kennedy. She is survived by her children John Jr. (Allison) Grib, Joseph (Carissa) Grib, and Christine Grib (Keith Dale); her grandchildren Leah, Mason, Ella, Jessica, Nicole, and Samantha; her sister Brenda (Mark) Klinkerman; sister-in-law Janet Kennedy; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and the friends who became family along the way.

A graveside service will be held February 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Linn Cemetery (Wentzville), followed by a Celebration of Life at Knights of Columbus Council #2951, 50 Saint Francois Street, Florissant, MO 63031. Family and friends are welcome to attend either gathering or both.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please make a donation to: Parkinson's Foundation The Michael J. Fox Foundation

Family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville. 

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