Jean Grimm

Jean Grimm, age 95, of Saranac Lake, passed away peacefully with her daughter at her bedside, on Thursday January 29th, 2026 at Elderwood of Uihlein, Lake Placid, after a courageous 12 year battle with dementia.

She was born Winifred Jean Wright in Oswego, NY on November 1st, 1930 to Donald E. Wright and Leah M. (Nason) Wright.

Jean enjoyed her pre-school years living on the farm “at Champion” with her paternal grandparents, also living with her maternal grandmother, in Waterloo and in other locations. (These were the Depression years, and her parents traveled to find work.) When Jean’s father moved the family to Oswegatchie, Jean was so excited to have piano lessons, and loved her teacher – and practicing! And, loved not being asked to do dishes or chores when she was practicing! By the 6th grade, she was playing for local church services. After graduating from Oswegatchie High School, she attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, completing her music teaching degree, and meeting and marrying “Pete,” the love of her life. Jean’s first job after college was as the accompanist for the Brighton School District’s music dept., while Pete worked at Eastman Kodak. A few years later, Jean accepted the position of General Music/Vocal Music teacher (K-12) at Clifton-Fine Central School in Star Lake, where she taught until 1985. Annual Christmas Concerts with the Senior Chorus always included a Candlelight Processional into the darkened Auditorium with the singing of “Adeste Fidelis” (in Latin, of course!) and members wearing dark blue robes with gold stoles, for CFCS’ colors. Retirement saw Jean appointed as the Town of Fine Town Historian, a job that she truly loved, especially helping people with genealogy searches! Also, helping to sponsor theTown of Fine History Days, and working to place the Fine Town Hall on the NYS Historic Registry, were very meaningful to her.

At age 70, after her husband’s death, Jean bought a small house in Saranac Lake, became the organist/choir director for the United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake, and joined many musical endeavors in the Tri-Lakes area. Her talent and energy were always appreciated! Many people recall seeing her as she hiked around the village, daily – often 2 - 4 miles, with many uphills!

Jean is survived by her daughter, Susan J. of Saranac Lake, and two siblings: Nancy D. Heidrick of Newark, NY and Donald H.Wright of Republic, PA. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Rankin H. “Pete” Grimm, her parents, and one brother, Michael E. Wright.

Jean lived a life of service and devotion to her family, her music students, and the two communities in which she lived out her years. Jean had a fabulous smile, that could light up a room! Both she and her husband could stretch a little bit of money until it squeaked – and if that wasn’t enough, they would DIY with the best – they were Depression era kids, who knew how to make do or do without. Jean’s spirit embodied “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake.

Jean requested that there be “no service of any kind” for her. A wonderful way to remember and honor Jean would be a donation to the Fine Town Hall (her favorite project), for planned repairs and renovations! Donations to the Town Hall Fund will be collected and safeguarded by the women of the Fine Home Bureau. Checks should have Town Hall Fund in the notes area, and be sent to the Home Bureau at PO Box 32, Fine, NY 13639.

Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.