Jae "Carmene" was born Dec. 31, 1928, in Omaha, Neb., and was the daughter of Arie W. and Blanche E. Cleaver. She passed away in Plymouth, Minn., on Aug. 21, 2012, at age 83.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, William "Bill" Gross.
She is survived by: her sister, Jo Gruver, of Tucson, Ariz.; daughter, Lisa Jo Gross Crees (Steven), of Plymouth, Minn.; sons, Steven Gross (Toni Anderson), Bismarck, N.D., and Dr. David Gross (Tera), of Orono, Minn.; eight grandchildren, as well as many other family members and friends.
She grew up in Minot, N.D., and then attended the University of Minnesota, where she was a member of the prestigious Mortar Board, a National College Senior Honor Society and Chimes, an honorary service organization for junior scholars as well as treasurer of Alpha Phi Sorority and founder of the Campus Chest Fundraising Organization. She graduated with a double B.S. Degree in Bio-chemistry and Medical Technology.
It was there she met her husband William Gross. They married on Dec. 28, 1951, in Minot, N.D. Carmene then worked at Lederle Labs in New York City as well as New York City and Minneapolis hospitals before returning to Minot. There she raised her three children while being president of the Women's Divison of the Minot Country Club, President of the Women's Symphony League and a member of First Presbyterian Church. She and Bill were avid bridge players with Carmene just a few points shy of earning Life Master level.
After 39 years in Minot, Carmene and Bill moved to Minneapolis to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed many cruises and traveled throughout the world.
Carmene was interested in interior decorating and dancing. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Services: Will be held on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, at 11 a.m., with visitation starting at 10 a.m., at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, 15800-37th Ave. N., Plymouth, Minn.
Private interment: At Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minn.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Ridgeview Foundation, 490 S. Maple St., Suite 110, Waconia, MN 55387 or the Animal Humane Society, 845 Meadow Lane N., Golden Valley, MN 55442.