Mae Grunder, age 88, of Wilton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at Wilton Retirement Community. She lived a life full of love, laughter, and a little bit of feistiness. A visitation was held from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Bentley Funeral Home, Wilton. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31 (today), at Zion Lutheran Church, Wilton. Burial will take place in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton. Memorials may be made to Leland Smith Assisted Living or Zion Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Mae was born on June 15, 1937, the daughter of Roy and Mabel (Wiese) Lincoln. She graduated from Wilton High School with the Class of 1956. Mae married Norman R. Grunder on Sept. 8, 1956, in Wilton. Mae shared a devoted marriage with Norman Grunder, building a life rooted in family, friendship, and hard work. Norman passed away on Nov. 19, 2017.
Mae was known for her great hair, feisty spirit, and remarkable strength in facing whatever challenges came her way. She loved gathering with friends and family and believed firmly in looking her best at all times, hair perfectly done, makeup just right, even if it meant making Norm wait a little longer. She loved hosting guests — treating them to homemade wine, schnapps, and delicious baked goodies. She enjoyed watching basketball, especially cheering for the Chicago Bulls, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Indiana Fever. Mae also loved playing cards and bingo.
A true businesswoman, Mae turned her passions into purpose. She owned and operated a hair salon and later followed her love of baking by opening Pastries N’ More in Wilton, where her talents brought joy to many. Mae will be remembered for her love of having a good time, determination, sense of style, and the love she poured into her family and friends.
Mae will be lovingly remembered by three daughters, Vicki (Randy) Meester of Wilton, Shelley (Todd Guttenfelder) Roberson of Wil-ton, and Melissa (Jared) Snyder of Spring Green, Wis.; grandchildren, Jamie (Ross) Wagaman, Justine (Russ) Young, Jordan Vastine, Brianna (Heath) Snider, Kendra Hartsock, Mercedez Guttenfelder-Feldmann, Maleah (Alex) Wright, Emilly (Ty Dilley) Lissy and Kale Lissy; 10 great-grandchildren, Griffin, Cole, Nora, Jake, Abbott, Rohen, Talula, Brody, Taelyn and Greyson; and sister-in-law, Jane Collins.
Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mabel; her husband, Norman; two brothers, Melvin and Wayne; and grandson-in-law, Andy Hartsock.
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