Hortense Joy Growe passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, grateful to the end for each of life’s many blessings. A matriarch in the truest sense, her life was a living example of what it means to put family first.
Born on March 7, 1927, to Jack and Dorothy Smith, Hortense grew up in St. Louis, where she attended University City High School and later, Washington University. She married the love of her life, Leonard Growe, with whom she shared a long and joyful marriage until his passing in 2014.
A devoted mother, she leaves behind her beloved children, Judy Growe and Gary Growe (Bethe), and was affectionately known as “Mumsy” to her cherished grandchildren: Jennifer Soshnik (Daniel), Jason Growe (Rebecca), and Jeremy Growe (Samantha). Her love extended to six treasured great-grandchildren—Jordan and Emmy Soshnik; Sasha and Lana Growe; and Jonah and Joanna Growe—each of whom came to know Mumsy’s warmth, humor, and mischievous smile.
Hortense shared a lifelong bond with her dear, late sister, Charlotte Spielberg (Leonard), and maintained close and loving ties with her nieces and many cousins. Hortense’s life was centered around family and an enduring circle of her lifelong friends. Nothing brought her greater joy than get-togethers and gatherings with the people she loved most.
An accomplished bridge player, Hortense was a fixture at the St. Louis Bridge Center until the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and an enthusiastic follower of college basketball.
To all who knew her, Hortense was a shining light—warm, witty, and endlessly loving. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of family, kindness, and connection lives on. In her presence, we found comfort; in her memory we find strength.
Graveside service Wednesday, May 7th, 2:00 PM at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Ave, 63130. Memorial contributions of your choice preferred.
BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
