After a lengthy career as a media buyer at several Chicago advertising agencies, Ann Grimes retired at age 70 — but only from the workplace.
Already an avid volunteer and a botany enthusiast, Grimes continued to donate her time at some of the city’s most popular cultural institutions, including the Field Museum of Natural History, where she taught about the sex lives of plants.
“It was a very popular tour,” said her friend Mary Morris. “Not only did she make it entertaining, but you learned so much. She really knew her stuff.”
Grimes also worked as a guide at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, where she gave two-hour tours to visitors.
“Ann knew so much about the natural world and loved sharing it with others,” said Carol Doty, a former administrator for education at the Morton Arboretum. “Her knowledge, kindness and fun-loving spirit inspired us all.”
Grimes, 102, who died of natural causes Jan. 17 at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, also was a volunteer docent for the Lyric Opera, visiting Chicago area schools, where she taught children about the opera. As part of the program, she helped them create and perform in their own operas.
“She loved working with children,” Morris said. “I think she was drawn to their energy.”
For many years, Grimes was a member of the Women’s Advertising Club of Chicago and the League of Women Voters. She was active in the poetry reading group at the Oak Park Library and in several book clubs. She was also a regular at performances of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
“She was an enormously active woman, who brought so much enthusiasm to all her pursuits,” said Laura Anne Welch, who met Grimes as a fellow guide at the arboretum.
Born Ann Berman in Corydon, Ind., she grew up in nearby Evansville. She attended Indiana University, before meeting her future husband, Roland Grimes, whom she married in the 1930s. She initially lived with her husband in Chicago and then in Oak Park. She later moved to River Forest.
After her husband’s death in 1978, Grimes began taking regular trips to New York City to visit her niece Debbie Radov, who was living there at the time.
“I couldn’t keep up with her,” Radov said. “During the day we’d go to an art museum, stop for lunch and then maybe go see a dance troupe. After that, we’d walk around a bit and then have dinner at a restaurant before taking in a Broadway show. She’d go to bed and then wake up the next morning, ready to start all over again.”
Grimes also traveled in retirement, often staying at elder hostels throughout Europe, South America and Africa.
“She was fearless when it came to new adventures and exploring the world,” Radov said.
While volunteering at the Morton Arboretum, Grimes took numerous courses in botany and attended as many lectures as she could. She began to slow down at 95 due to health concerns.
“We all wanted to grow old like Ann,” said Marilyn Ellison, a fellow guide at the Morton Arboretum. “She was kind of our hero.”
There are no immediate survivors. A memorial service is planned for the spring.
Joan Giangrasse Kates is a freelance reporter.
