Edina - died January 14th of complications from an automobile accident in her home town of Northfield. Born on June 22, 1939, each year she would remark that, in Minnesota, June 22nd was the loveliest day of the year. More often than not, she was correct.

Sally was raised in Minneapolis but spent most of her life in Northfield, MN. She graduated from Washburn High School and earned degrees from Carleton College and the University of Minnesota.

At heart she was always a teacher. She began as a schoolmarm, boarding on a pig farm in the small town of Henderson, Minnesota. Her career culminated with twenty years teaching English and Humanities in Farmington. Students cherished her, and no fewer than two became teachers themselves because of her inspiration. Teaching went beyond the classroom, as she was ever eager to instruct her grandsons on topics as wide-ranging as art history and how to craft the best cranberry relish.

A lover of human ingenuity, she studied everything from architecture to astrophysics. Her boundless curiosity about the world found her reading The New York Times front to back daily, with Public Radio as the background during other activities. She and her husband Ross traveled the globe, reaching the heights of Machu Picchu, the pyramids of Giza, and the gelato shops of Italy.

She had strong interests in literature, the theater, the orchestra, the opera, dance, cinema, people-watching, motorcycle rides through the countryside, boat rides at sunset, sitting on the porch with her husband on warm summer mornings, and chocolate. She built everything from furniture to a treehouse, cultivated a wonderful flower garden, and even sewed superhero costumes when her children were young. She was an excellent cook, went barefoot whenever possible, and was adored by a series of small, spoiled dogs.

Sally was the daughter of the late Russell and Mildred (Bunday) Grinde, and the niece of a special aunt, Grace Bunday Budahn. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ross, her children Lisa (Scott) and Bryan (Genna), her beloved grandsons Evan (fiancée Dilan) and Luke, her nieces and nephew, grand and great grand nieces and nephews, and old friends across the country and globe.

A cheerful, loving person, she will always be missed.

Memorial service this spring; details to follow. www.cremationsocietyofmn.com