Luncheon Is Warm Farewell To Longtime Co-Worker

Published: August 21, 2003

ATLANTA—A catered luncheon at the Catholic Center July 25, attended by approximately 150 people, honored Sally Grubbs, who retired after working for all five archbishops of Atlanta over a span of more than 40 years.

Mrs. Grubbs served on the Catholic Center staff since 1961 and in continuous work for the archbishops of Atlanta since the first, Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan, was named during that decade.

From the time of Archbishop Hallinan, through the years of Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan, Archbishop Eugene A. Marino, SSJ, Archbishop James P. Lyke, OFM, and now Archbishop John F. Donoghue, she directed the archbishops’ business, serving as their personal secretary. Details large and small left in her hands were handled with care and unfailing courtesy. She is well known to priests of the archdiocese and parish staff people for her wide knowledge of the archdiocese and its history, of church protocol and church people, and for her willingness to help those in need of information.

She was given the papal medal of a Dame of St. Gregory with the rank of commander in 1994 in an investiture ceremony at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta. That year she also celebrated her 75th birthday. Archbishop Donoghue lauded her at that time as an indefatigable servant of each successive archbishop of Atlanta since the early 1960s.

“Her zeal has never flagged for an instant and those who know her have certainly felt the reliable glow of her energy,” Archbishop Donoghue said. “She has served her Lord through the best and worst of times -- she has been a friend to literally thousands of people here and abroad.”

In his tribute to her at her retirement luncheon, he said she was “loyal to the Church, loyal to the Lord,” throughout four decades of work.

At the close of his remarks, when he asked people to give her a standing ovation, the room filled with warm and sustained applause while she sat, head bowed. Later she greeted people throughout the room, going from table to table.

Her daughter, Betty Martin, and other family members came to the luncheon, which was attended by many priests, sisters and Catholic Center staff members.

She was given a number of gifts including a Waterford vase and a photo album of people who have worked with her at the Catholic Center over the years and historic photos.