Vinje Ragnhild Grant
April 12, 1947 - January 24, 2014
Obituary
GRANT, VINJE KAY
MADISON-Vinje Kay Grant, age 66, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. She was born on April 12, 1947, in Ripon, Wis., the daughter of Robert E. Kay and Helen Thompson Kay. She was married to Richard Grant from 1968 until 1989 and to Paul Pirrello from 1996 until 2005. Vinje grew up in Neenah and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Carroll College. She lived in Janesville for 25 years, where she was a substitute teacher in elementary schools, and an active and loving mother of her three children. Vinje lived in Marco Island, Florida from 1996 until 2004, where she enjoyed warm weather, beaches, boating, dancing and the island entertainment. She moved to Madison in 2004. Vinje was known to all as an incredibly warm, vivacious and fun-loving person who brought smiles and laughter to all who knew her. She will be remembered most for her childlike curiosity, her infectious laugh, free spirit and especially for all of the life lessons, gifts and strengths she passed on to her three children. Vinje persevered through various struggles, all while maintaining her sense of humor and exuding warmth towards others, regardless. Our greatest wish is that she is now in a place of peace and tranquility. Vinje is survived by her three children, Tenya Grant of Stoughton, Wis., Cara (Eric Mangriotis) Grant of Chicago, Ill. and Tahan (Victoria) Grant of San Diego, Calif.; her significant other, Harold Beyer of Cambria, Wis.; the father of her children, Richard R. (Kitty) Grant; and her sister Marthea Spencer of McHenry, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Phillip Spencer. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the EAST SIDE CLUB OF MADISON, 3735 Monona Dr, Madison, www.escmadison.com, 608-222-9131, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, to share in all the wonderful memories of Vinje. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Woman in Transition (WIT), 2842 Moland Street, Madison, Wis., 53704 or Mental Health America of Wisconsin, www.mhawisconsin.org/make-a-donation.aspx. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
*Stories, pictures, memories and food to be shared beginning at 2 p.m., with a commemoration service from 3 p.m. until 3:45 p.m.
*The family wishes to collect any wonderful memories of Vinje in the form of written stories or thoughts at the gathering to create a compilation memory book. Please feel free to bring any special photographs to share with the family as well. For those of you, who are unable to attend the gathering, please feel free to email any thoughts or memories you may wish to share to: grantvinje@gmail.com
Events
Service
Sat Feb 8, 2014 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
The East Side Club • 3735 Monona Dr., Madison, WI 53714
Photos
Memories
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Guest
Other •
Tahan's Wedding
JK
Jane Krohn
Other •
Vinje was like family to me and a great family friend. I have wonderful memories of many happy times with her. Sending love to you all, Tenaya, Cara, and Tahan.
Jane Krohn
JG
Joy Goad-Wright
Other •
My deepest condolences to you all. I remember as a child being at the Grants' home. Vinje was always very welcoming, kind and giving. I remember she took a bunch of us kids to the Jeffries' theatre downtown for a movie. It was when you could bring in your own popcorn, and she had filled a Woodman's bag to share with us all. I pray she is finding comfort in Jesus' loving arms. God bless all of you, Joy Goad-Wright
GP
Ginny Pease
Other •
Her bright smile connected with so many of us. This photo--taken 25 years ago on New Years Eve in my living room on her furniture is the only one I have of Vinge. Same bright spirit: same bright smile! Tenaya, Cara, Tahan -- hold onto the memory of her smile. She loved you so much.
LP
Lisa Parish
Other •
It is difficult to capture the depth and complexity of a person's life in a few paragraphs, but Vinje's obituary so eloquently described her spirit. I have so many fond memories of spending time at the Grant home and I can hear Vinje's laugh as I think of them. She is just one of those people you will never forget. I hope she has found the peace she so deserves and that her family finds comfort in each other. Love you guys! Lisa Parish
TB
Tanya Bierman
Other •
Such a sweet soul who welcomed her children's friends into her home as if they were her own. I will forever remember her kindness, her giddiness and her undeniable laugh that was certain to always put a smile on your face. I truly cherish all the memories. Thoughts and Prayers with the family as they navigate to find peace and begin to heal at the expense of such a great loss.
Hugs -Tanya Bierman