Jean (Fischer) Grady

A woman who sought adventure and traveled the globe, Jean Grady of Sewickley, passed away peacefully at age 90, at Apple Blossom on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Born November 26, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, Jean was the middle of three girls: Janet, Jean and Joan. She lost her father at an early age and upon graduation from St. Edmunds High School went to work in Manhattan. Yearning for something more, Jean responded to a classified ad and nine months later moved to Washington, DC, to begin working at the CIA. Within six months, Jean was posted to Kabul, Afghanistan, where she met her future husband, Terence Grady, a young officer from the British Embassy. After a short courtship, the couple married and enjoyed a honeymoon in Europe before settling briefly in London, England. The family grew while Terence’s career took them to postings in Elizabethville, Belgian Congo; Philadelphia, USA; Sydney, Australia; Dakar, Senegal; Istanbul, Turkey and Libreville, Gabon. At each location Jean created a beautiful home, settled her children into new schools, learned the language, explored the country, made friends, experienced political turmoil, shortages, and expertly supported Terence’s diplomatic career hosting many dinners and visiting dignitaries. Highlights included meeting Pope John Paul II, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, the Duke of Kent and, most memorably, a private audience with the late Queen Elizabeth II. Following Terence’s retirement, they moved to Norwich, England where Jean pursued a bachelor’s degree in Art History at the University of East Anglia. As Terence’s health failed, the couple moved to Sewickley to be close to family, where Jean made many new friends. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband and partner in adventure, Terence Grady, her parents Anthony and Mary Fischer, and her sister Janet Sweeney. She is survived by her sister, Joan Dyer (Eulys) of Richmond, Virginia, and children Carolyn Grady-Mookerjee (Rajen Mookerjee) of Sewickley, Pennsylvania; Terence Grady of London, England; Stephanie Buller (Rob) of Maison Lafitte, France; Nicola Grady (Nicholas Imbrohoris) of Vanves, France; Christine Grady of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and seven cherished grandchildren: Romen, Lara, Tim, Ross, Margot, Justin and Chloe. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 3rd at 10:30AM at St. James Church, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Women for Afghan Women at womenforafghanwomen.org

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