Mary Bruno Grimball

On Friday, December 12, 2025, Mary went home to the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with her devoted husband of 63 years Terry by her side holding her hand. Through God’s divine mercy and grace, all four of her children, their spouses and grandchildren were also able to spend time by her side in prayer surrounding her with love and support.

Mary was born in Gonzales, LA, in 1941 to Anthony and Mary Bruno, Sr., who were Italian immigrants that taught Mary and her six siblings their strong faith and work ethic. When Mary was a child, she worked beside her parents and siblings on the family farm. Her extreme distaste for okra worms earned her the right to go inside and cook for the family, from which we all benefited. She also often recounted being the popcorn girl at the local movie theater.

Mary met the love of her life Terrance (Terry) Grimball in 1961 at Louisiana State University. Terry had “crashed” the party that Mary was attending, and she later told her friend at work that she had met the man that she was going to marry. Their favorite meal while dating was an anchovy pizza at Pastime Restaurant in Baton Rouge, LA, near the university. Mary and Terry were married at Mary’s childhood church St. Theresa Catholic Church in Gonzales, LA, on Saturday, September 22, 1962.

While raising her children, Mary worked with her neighbor providing catering and decorating beautiful cakes – something she truly enjoyed. After raising her four children, Mary worked for 23 years as a Certified Professional Secretary for State Farm Insurance in Lake Charles, LA, retiring in 2000. Everyone that knew Mary knew how extremely talented she was in cooking, baking, painting and many, many other crafting skills. If she had the desire, she could do it and do it well.

Mary, Terry and their children worshiped primarily at Immaculate Conception in Sulphur, LA. They moved their primary residence to Prairieville, LA, in 2014 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Mary will always be remembered for her joy of life and the love and kindness that she gave to all, treating everyone with respect and like part of the family. We could not have asked for a better wife, mother, grandmother or friend, and though we will miss her every day, her memory will live on in her hearts forever until we meet again in heaven. We cling to that hope and are thankful for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ for her and for all.

Mary cherished her pets and had a soft spot for both cats and dogs treating each of them like the valuable family member that they were. Her cat Sunshine sat in vigil bedside for the past three months only leaving her side long enough to take care of the necessities. Sunshine was definitely her angel and provided comfort to Mary all the way to the end. We believe that there will be many pets anxiously awaiting her arrival in heaven like Rascal and Beetle.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Mary and her six siblings (brothers: Joseph, Ignatius (Nick), Anthony, Robert; sisters: Ann and Marion).

Mary is survived by her loving, devoted husband Terrance (Terry) Grimball and their children James Michael (Janet) Grimball, Andrea Lynn (Greg) Labranche, John David (Patty) Grimball and Kathryn Joy (Greg) Denkman. Together they passed on their faith and work ethic to their children which was a true blessing. Mary was also a very attentive, loving and caring grandmother called “Maw Maw” to Mary Catherine (Dillon) Sonnier and their son Parker James and Travis Joseph (who will arrive in January 2026), Sarah and her stepdaughter Laila Villanueva, Anne Meryl (Wesley) Newton, Elizabeth “Libby” Joy Labranche, Cameron Hyde (Vy – fiancée), Casey (Lauren) Hyde and their children Grayson and Claire, Chloe Marie Grimball and Cayley Elizabeth Grimball.

The family is thankful and feel blessed for all the kindness and particularly the prayers they have received through this journey.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 17th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1022 LA-44, Gonzales, Louisiana, 70737. Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m.

Mary will be laid to rest at St. Theresa Of Avila Catholic Church Mausoleum.