Our beloved Molly, Mary Ann Gribb, the loving wife of Dr. John J. Gribb for 61 years and long-time resident of Doylestown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 with her family by her side.
Born in Johnstown, PA, Molly was the only daughter among six children of the late Mary Howard and Francis “Frank” Bernard Foster, Sr. She had an exceptionally close bond with each of her five brothers and was always quick to share funny memories of growing up with them in their busy, sports-filled home that she affectionately referred to as the “fraternity house.”
Molly was a graduate of Southmont High School in Johnstown where she was, not surprisingly, a cheerleader, a crowned queen and a lead in her school play. She understood the importance of education from an early age and never missed a single day. Following high school, she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She continued her nursing studies at Temple University in Philadelphia where she earned her Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (C.R.N.A) degree. She was employed as a Nurse Anesthetist at Temple University Hospital and later at Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, PA. While raising her family, she continued her nursing skills at local schools and with neighborhood children and later became a Nutritionist.
Molly enjoyed living an active, healthy life style and encouraged others to do the same. She loved her Zumba class at Cornerstone and used her nutritionist skills to keep her family well fed. She was an avid reader, tennis, bridge and piano player, skier and golfer. She treasured nature and loved to travel especially to ski resorts with friends and family. She also loved to gather her friends for book club and other social groups. Despite her busy schedule, Molly always found time to volunteer at a wide variety of philanthropic organizations, including the P.T.A, Boy Scouts, Doylestown Hospital, Junior Women’s Club, VIA of Doylestown, American Red Cross, Bucks County Library, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mercer Mile Questers and the Bucks County Symphony.
Molly brought sunshine to everyone she met. She had a special way with people that always left an impression. She embraced everyone, was a second mother to many and inspired countless people. She was an early advocate for women’s rights and education. She adored children and worked tirelessly to make the world a better place for them. She was incredibly humble, kind and thoughtful. In addition to these remarkable qualities, Molly will always be remembered for her great sense of humor, creative problem-solving and natural way of spreading joy wherever she went.
Molly will especially be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, dedicated daughter, sister and aunt and a loyal friend to so, so many. These were always her most important roles. Her love for her friends and family was admirable.
In addition to her husband, Molly is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Paige (David) Siddons of Manhattan Beach, CA, her son, David Foster of NYC, her daughter-in-law, Jill (Ryan) Bell of Santa Barbara, CA, her four dear grandchildren: Paige, Parker, Will and Emmie, her brothers, Edward (Dewey) Foster of Carlsbad, CA and Richard (Betsy) Foster of Tustin, CA as well as multiple nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jeff, Dr. John J. Gribb, an Anesthesiologist, as well as her brothers, Frank, Patrick and Andrew.
In recognition of Molly’s goodwill, inspiration to others and advocacy for education, women’s rights and children as well as her years of service to the medical profession, an exhibition room will be dedicated to her at the Doylestown Historical Society located at 56 S. Main Street, Doylestown.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 17 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 235 E. State Street, Doylestown. The family will receive guests from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers or donations, Molly asks, “In my memory, be kind to everyone you meet, have a good laugh every day and stay healthy!”