Joy Lynn (Aldrich) Grass

To use one of her favorite phrases, long story short, Joy Grass, 82, of Mequon, Wisconsin, died Jan. 25, 2025. 

Joy was born in Milwaukee in 1942 to Hazel (Gruber) and Truman Aldrich, attending public schools in Whitefish Bay. After graduation, Joy earned a scholarship to the nursing school at Columbia Hospital, where she later worked as a registered nurse. 

Joy was known for her love of music, directing vocal and bell choirs at United Methodist Church in Whitefish Bay. She also enjoyed traveling, taking annual cruises to the Caribbean and Mediterranean. In recent years, Joy took great pleasure in playing mah jong with friends. To the family members she converted to the pastime, she leaves the honored duty of reminding the table, “You can’t put a joker with a pair!” 

Joy is survived by her children from her marriage with former spouse, Bill Grass—sons, Gary, Ronald (Natalie) and Michael (Shannon); grandchildren: Benny, Henry, Sophia, and Helena; and sister, Susan DiDonato. Finally, Cousin Craig—you know Craig!—should not go unmentioned. 

In keeping with Joy’s final wishes, no funeral will be held, but she requests that you be darn certain she’s dead before sending her off. Family requests that memories and condolences be shared with them privately