Carmen Alberta Grandy

Carmen A. Grandy, 78, of St. Joseph, joined her heavenly father on Friday, July 1, 2016 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph.  Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, friend; she lived life to the fullest & focused intently on faith, family and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph First United Methodist Church with Reverends Dan Colthorp and John McRoberts officiating.  Please join Carmen’s family and friends on Friday, July 8 for visitation from 6-9 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation or St. Joseph First United Methodist Church. Those wishing to leave online condolences may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Carmen was born on August 7, 1937 in Wayne, MI to Bert and Maurine (Beach) Kerbyson.  Growing up, she understood the importance of education and became the first person in her family to obtain a college degree, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1959 from Western Michigan University (Go Broncos!).  Following graduation, she began teaching in Bridgman, MI before serving the vast majority of her 34-year career as a teacher, cheerleading coach, mentor & colleague in St. Joseph Public Schools (1967-95).  And while she was passionate about her students’ learning math (typically 9th grade algebra and/or geometry), she was even more eager to help them transition into high school and beyond to become quality adults. She positively impacted literally thousands of students during her career in public education. Outside the classroom, she loved being Mom to her three children:  Diana, Jim and Charlie and was actively involved in all of their activities, whether cheering them on at swim meets near and far, being present at each baseball, basketball and football game or encouraging them academically.  Of course, she shared the importance of education, took great joy in their successes and was always there for any life challenges.  Friends have shared that they rarely had a conversation with Mom that didn’t involve the sparkle of her brilliant blue eyes as she excitedly shared updates of her kids, “daughter-in-love” Lori and her precious grandchildren:  Leah, David, Alexandra and Alannah.  Affectionately known as “G-Ma” or “Grams” to her grandkids, she knew the roads to Indianapolis and Savannah well and saw more plays, musicals, gymnastics meets, cross-country competitions and showchoir performances than most others see in a lifetime, all the while sharing lessons about life and her love for them.  She loved when they would visit St. Joe as well, often for a walk on the pier, swimming amidst the crashing waves, picnics at the beach or simply spending time together at home or in the community. Carmen was an active member of the St. Joseph First United Methodist Church for over fifty (50) years, served in a variety of roles, including many mission-related efforts to care for others & share her faith.  She has the distinction of being a Church member (along with her family) who broke ground on its current location in 1968.  She was a lifelong learner, avid reader, loved crossword puzzles, enjoyed birds of all kinds (often starting her day by saying “Good Morning Mr. Cardinal”).  She saw God’s glory through the vastness of Lake Michigan and the beauty of its sunsets. She relished times with her community of close friends, including playing bridge & various games with family/friends.  She also cherished her opportunities to travel, including such places as Alaska, Sri Lanka on mission, Kazakhstan & various other countries in Asia and Europe (deciding relatively late in life that it was part of living to the fullest). Carmen is survived by her children: Diana Grandy of Tampa, FL; James Grandy of Savannah, GA (with grandchildren, Alexandra and Alannah); and Charles (Lori) Grandy of Indianapolis, IN (and grandchildren, Leah and David). Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Maurine Kerbyson and her siblings, Viola Henson, Edna Hurst, Stanley Kerbyson.