Obituaries Obituaries (September 08, 2004)

Janet Grosser
Patron of the arts

Janet Grosser of Menlo Park, a multi-talented woman and patron of the arts, died August 30 after a 19-month battle against lung cancer.

She was born in 1932 and grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut. Her childhood lessons in art, piano and ballet launched interests that remained with her for life, say family members. She learned to fly at 16 and graduated at the top of her high school class.

Ms. Grosser entered Massachusetts Institute of Technology at 17. While earning a bachelor's degree in chemistry, she was a cheerleader and an avid sailor, and wrote for the yearbook. She became engaged in her senior year to fellow student Morton Grosser.

She was awarded the Coats & Clark graduate fellowship for her master's degree in fiber mechanics from the MIT mechanical engineering department, then became a research associate in the biology department.

The Grossers moved to Menlo Park in 1958, and Ms. Grosser returned to study art in graduate school at Stanford University. While working as a particle trajectory calculator for the Stanford Linear Accelerator, she earned a life-teaching credential in ceramics. She taught ceramics at Foothill College for Palo Alto Adult Education for eight years. Her first one-person show opened the week her son Adam was born.

In 1978 Ms. Grosser founded a calligraphy and graphic-design studio, Janet Grosser Design, in Menlo Park. That same year, she and her husband became members of the Gossamer Albatross team, and she built components for the human-powered plane that won the 100,000-pound Kremer Cross-Channel Prize. She became a pilot of the Gossamer Albatross II, and one of the few people in the world to fly a successful human-powered airplane, her family says.

During the 1980s, she became active with the MIT Club of Northern California and the San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary. She served as vice president of both organizations and as president of the ballet auxiliary.

In 1995 she became a director of the MIT Club of Northern California and was elected chairman of board in 1999. She was re-elected a week before the onset of her final illness.

In 1997 she received an MBA in nonprofit administration from the University of San Francisco.

Ms. Grosser was a voracious reader, accomplished cook, delighted traveler and warm hostess, say family members. She was author of "ABC of Ballet," a dance primer that sold many thousands of copies.

She designed and made many stitcheries, and was a member of the European Train Enthusiasts and a model builder, say family members.

Ms. Grosser is survived by her husband, Morton, of Menlo Park; son Adam Grosser of Hillsborough; and two grandchildren. The family prefers donations in her name to the MIT Music Library and the Stanford Lively Arts. At her request, there will be no memorial service.

Jean Grotewohl
Piano teacher

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 9, at the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church for Jean Auld Grotewohl, who died August 21 in Roseville. A reception will follow at the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club. She was 77.

Ms. Grotewohl was born in Chicago and earned a bachelor's degree in music at Northwestern University. She moved to Menlo Park in 1955.

She was a popular piano teacher, giving lessons to hundreds of children in her home. Her spring recitals attracted alumni and outside friends, as well as students and their parents.

She played the piano for the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church Sunday School and, later, First Church of Christ Scientist Sunday School in Menlo Park.

She was a volunteer in many civic groups, including the PTA, Menlo Mothers Club, Family Service Agency, Mid-Peninsula League of the San Francisco Symphony, and Menlo-Atherton Auxiliary to the Retarded Children's Guild (now Community Association for Rehabilitation). She was a golfer with the women's 18-hole group at the Stanford Golf Course.

She was a superb hostess and enjoyed giving theme parties featuring flower arrangements from her garden, say family members.

Ms. Grotewohl is survived by her two sons, David and Mark Grotewohl of Sacramento, daughter Julie ten Doesschate of Manhattan Beach, and seven grandchildren. Her mother, Neva Auld, whom she cared for, died in 2001 at the age of 108.

The family prefers memorials to the Family Service Agency of San Mateo County, 24 Second Ave., San Mateo, CA 94401-3828.

Inez Williams
Former Menlo Park resident

Inez B. "Honey" Williams of Sublimity, Oregon, died August 29. She was 83.

Born in Monterey, she graduated from Burlingame High School and College of San Mateo.

For 15 years she served as a secretary for St. Pius Church in Redwood City. She was a loyal San Francisco 49er fan, say family members.

Ms. Williams is survived by her daughters, Barbara Kiernan of Salem, Oregon, and Phyllis Fornasero of Sacramento; stepsons Hal Williams of Portola Valley, Patrick Williams of San Carlos, and Gregg Williams of San Jose; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. After the death of her first husband, Philip Eldredge, in 1971, she was married to Hal Williams, who died in 1997.

The family prefers memorials to a charity of choice. Private services will be held at a later date.

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