Ann Grundfest Gerache

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Ann was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and grew up in the small Delta town of Cary. She was the oldest daughter of Ike and June Grundfest. The family operated M. Grundfest, a general merchandise store founded by her grandfather. Ann and her sister, Betty Lee, would sit on the store’s front porch, watching the activities of their hometown as children. Ann never lost her ties to the Delta or her love for that community. Ann attended Cary School and All Saints Episcopal School in Vicksburg. She attended the University of Alabama and completed her studies at Mississippi College. Ann and her first husband, Robert N. (Bob) Emmich, lived active lives in Vicksburg while raising their children, Ellen, Robert, Kathy, and Gayle. She was constantly engaged in her children’s schools and community, including PTA, Meals on Wheels, Garden Club, and Antiques Club.

Ann later married Joesph Gerache in 1986. Together they traveled the world while Joe operated the Corner Drug Store in Vicksburg. She treasured their camp on Lake Bruin, LA, and her MASSIVE fig tree. Her greatest passion became preserving the history of the Vicksburg Jewish congregation. That history is now proudly displayed at the Old Courthouse Museum in Vicksburg. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Ike and June Grundfest, husband Joesph A. Gerache, her sister Betty Lee Lamensdorf and brother-in-law Ben, her daughter Ellen Emmich, and Joseph “Bubba” Gerache Jr. She is survived by her children Robert Emmich (Carey), Kathy Friedman, Gayle Emmich and Joe’s children, Janice Waring (Dan), Cookie Beasley, Johnny Gerache (Ginger) and Tommy Gerache (Whitney) along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews and very special friends. The family will host a visitation at the Fisher-Riles Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 1:00 pm, followed by services at 2:00 pm, with burial at Anshe Chesed Cemetery. In place of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a charity of your choosing, the Old Courthouse Museum in Vicksburg, the Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, MS, or The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans, LA.