Rosemont College pays tribute to Tricia Grunkemeyer. Tricia lived a life full of faith, warmth, hospitality, and joyful family traditions.
She graduated with the class of 1969 and earned her degree in Primary Education. She became a proud alumna of Rosemont College. Her journey began in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tricia entered the world on June 13, 1947. Alzheimer’s disease took her life on March 14, 2026. She faced the illness with great courage.
Tricia attended Summit Country Day School. She graduated from there in 1965. Rosemont College welcomed her next where she completed her studies in 1969. Her faith remained Roman Catholic throughout life.
A Lifetime of Love & Family
Tricia married Mike Grunkemeyer in 1969. They tied the knot on December 27th. The pair were high school sweethearts. Purcell High crowned them 1964 Homecoming King and Queen. They enjoyed 47 devoted years of marriage and raised four wonderful children.
Katie Grunkemeyer Mayfield lives in Leonard, Texas. Carrie Grunkemeyer Robeson resides in Richmond, Virginia. Kevin Michael Grunkemeyer calls Yorktown, Virginia home. Meghan Anne Grunkemeyer is in Charleston, South Carolina. Tricia spoiled her eight grandchildren as Nanna. The grandchildren include Madeline, Michael, Griffin, Whitney, Payton, Dottie, Kennedy, and Ashlyn.
Tricia leaves her brother Eddie Barton behind. Her sister Maridot Barton Long survives her and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren mourn her loss. Her husband Mike preceded her as did brothers Andrew Jr. and Dennis and parents Andrew and Dorothy Barton. Granddaughter Whitney Harlow Robeson also passed recently.
Warmth, Hospitality & Cherished Traditions
Tricia shared her warmth with countless people. Her hospitality opened doors to many. Philanthropy defined her generous spirit. Annual beach weeks in Corolla, North Carolina delighted her family. These gatherings continued for over two decades. Everyone looked forward to those special times and look back on them with fond memories.
Services Held to Celebrate Her Life
Family and friends attended the visitation on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00pm. The family met with friends and loved ones at the Geo. Rohde & Son Funeral Home on Linwood Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio. They held the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00am at Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial followed immediately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
The Celebration of Life took place later on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00pm. The Williamsburg Inn in Williamsburg, Virginia welcomed everyone.
These gatherings honored Tricia with love.
Continuing Tricia’s Legacy
Plan a trip with family or friends. Arrange a family photo with your family while you remember her. Create new memories with loved ones. These steps keep her spirit alive.
Staff members at the Westminster Canterbury Richmond Retirement Community cared for Tricia like family. Donations to the Employee Celebration Fund in her name will honor their dedicated service to her. Make a check payable to WCR Employee Celebration Fund and mail it to the Westminster Canterbury Richmond Employee Celebration Fund. The address is 1600 Westbrook Ave, Richmond, VA 23227. Be sure to write “In memory of Tricia Grunkemeyer” on the memo line.
Tricia’s legacy of faith, love, and joyful connection will continue to inspire all who knew her. The Rosemont College community extends its deepest condolences to her family and friends, and we are grateful to honor the vibrant life of this cherished alumna.
