In the comics, she is the homeroom teacher at Riverdale High School, occasionally teaching English and math as well. In Jackpot Comics no.4, she is referred to as "Mrs. Grundy, the principal", but this is not correct. Her name is derived from Mrs Grundy, a name that has been used to refer to a prudish woman since the early nineteenth century. Before she became a teacher, she worked at a pickle-packing plant. During World War II, she served with the WACs, outranking Mr. Weatherbee.