For 91 years, Mary Lamers Grist poured her love for making an impact into the Fox Valley communities she called home. Born in 1928, Mary Lamers grew up singing while milking cows with her brothers, who taught her how to harmonize. Mary graduated from Lawrence University as a voice major in 1950, taught music in Berlin, Wis. and later at Holy Name School in Kimberly.

Mary passed away on August 3, 2020. She was known throughout the Valley not only as a talented singer, but a generous giver. Mary and her late husband Jim Grist established the Jim and Mary Grist Family Fund, an endowment fund in 1998 and enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Community Foundation.

In 2016 the Community Foundation helped them establish an after-lifetime plan for their fund, which includes an estate gift. That gift will support their favorite charities as well as establish the Jim and Mary Grist Fund for Waupaca, within Waupaca Area Community Foundation that will enhance the environmental and ecological health of the Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes system and natural surroundings forever. She was part of the Community Foundation’s Himebaugh Legacy Circle, recognizing those who have made future plans for their favorite charitable causes through a bequest or similar deferred gift to the Foundation.