Cathy Grimm, a visionary leader in the Denver community who devoted herself to the wellness of seniors, passed away on March 18, 2015, after a sudden illness. She was 65.
“Cathy was deeply committed to improving the quality of life for the thousands of elderly people we serve,” said Yana Vishnitsky, president and CEO of JFS.
”She treated older adults with unconditional love and compassion, which is exactly the way she wanted to be treated.”
”A beacon of light to the JFS staff, her passing has left a hole in our hearts.”
Mrs. Grimm was the director of the Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center at JFS.
A licensed clinical social worker, she earned her MA in social work in 1993 from DU, where she specialized in geriatrics and mental health.
Mrs. Grimm joined the JFS staff in 1994 and was promoted to director of the seniors department in 2001.
Her goal was helping seniors continue to live safely and independently in their own homes.
She is credited with establishing the first Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) in Colorado, which brings vital services to seniors in the communities in which they live.
Prior to joining JFS, Mrs. Grimm held positions with the Mental Health Corporation of Denver, the Denver Probate Court and VA Medical Center.
A recognized expert in aging, she was invited by Sen. Wayne Allard to participate in the 2005 White House Conference on Aging.
Cathy Grimm was a beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother. A private family memorial service will be held.
Contributions may be made to Cathys Place, a memorial fund that benefits senior programs at JFS, www.jewishfamilyservice.org.
Copyright © 2015 by the Intermountain Jewish News
