Local family shares fond memories of actress Debbie Reynolds

It was a shock for Dale and Patti Gribow when they learned of Debbie Reynolds’ death on Wednesday, just one day after Reynolds’ daughter, Carrie Fisher died.

“I would imagine that for her, it was her time and she needed to go with Carrie,” Patti Gribow said.

The Gribows worked extensively with Reynolds through the Thalians, a charitable organization dedicated to mental health causes. Reynolds served as president emeritus of the organization.

Dale Gribow said he remembered Reynolds as a wonderful person and a fantastic performer.

“When we had events, she would sometimes go to her Zsa Zsa Gabor routine and she did an excellent Zsa Zsa,” he said.

“She had so much energy, you can’t even imagine,” Patti Gribow said. “I mean, we were going to rehearsal and she would just know the routine, like, automatically and her improvisation was unbelievable.”

The Gribows said while many knew Reynolds as a triple threat of acting, singing, and dancing, it was her philanthropic work that would make a lasting contribution through the Thalians.

“Her daughter was diagnosed as having mental health issues so it became more important to her than ever before,” Dale Gribow said.

Ultimately, the couple said, Reynolds would always be known for putting a smile on the faces of everyone she met.

“She really wanted to make people happy all the time,” Patti Gribow said. “I really do, I mean it. I think her greatest joy was making people laugh.”