January 10, 1943 - August 1 2023

On Tuesday, August 1, 2023 of Gaithersburg, MD following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Judy was born January 10, 1943 in Washington, DC to the late Hazel Heimes and Everett E. Johnson. Judy was a devoted Christian, who turned to faith after losing her mother at a young age to breast cancer and later her sister, Carol, to the same disease. Judy attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, where she met the love of her life, the late John J. Grolig, IV, in 1958. They married September 8, 1962.

Judy was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter. She was well-known for her joyous and vibrant personality, her caring and calming demeanor, and her kindness to all she encountered. Judy was the perfect counterbalance to her husband's larger-than-life personality, always matching his humor with her wit. Together, they were a captivating couple. Judy spent her life spreading genuine Christian love to her family and community. Even as her illness progressed, Judy's strength, love and goodness continued to touch those around her, most notably John, who joined her in turning to faith after more than 50 years and spent the rest of his life exemplifying what it means to love in sickness and in health. Judy's family and friends will always remember her as someone who brought peace, stability and warmth to all around her.

Judy is survived by her loving sons, Kevin and Jeffrey Grolig; her five grandchildren, Kristen K. Grolig, Ashley P. Grolig, Kelsey L. Grolig, James "Jake" Grolig, and Amanda J. Grolig; and sister of Barbara Bourland.

Judy's son Kevin Grolig remembers his mom:

I wanted to let you know my mom Judy Grolig passed away Tuesday morning, 8/1/23.

While there is immense sadness, me and my four kids are at peace knowing that she will no longer suffer.

My mom was in her mid 60's when we started noticing the first signs of Alzheimer's. She lived the last 13-14 years with this insidious disease. While I have been angry many times over the years, I've come to realize this stems from me being selfish. Selfish in either longing for the past or a different reality for me, my mom, and our family.

When I get over myself, I realize that while I have been selfish, my mother was the epitome of SELFLESS. Alzheimer's robbed her of every sense of self and human dignity a person could have.

Today, I choose to put selfishness aside, and simply be grateful. Grateful to God for somehow allowing Judy Grolig to be my mom, and just as important, my kids grandmother.

I'm grateful that while feeling down last week, knowing my mom's final days were near, Erin made a comment to me on how blessed I was to have had my kids at such a young age. It allowed my kids an opportunity to spend quality years with youthful and active grandparents, and it extended the time they had to spend together.

The last 5-10 years have been tough, but I'm grateful for what we had, and the memories created. Not every family is that blessed.

I am grateful that my mom and my dad were consistently an active part of my kids upbringing. We vacationed together (California, N. Carolina, Colombia, SA and many trips to Bethany Beach). The vacations were great, but the most memorable times were more simple. Typically, it was as simple as a phone call from my mom or dad to say "Hey....what are you guys doing? You want to order some pizza's and watch movies here tonight?" We always took them up on that offer. I loved how spontaneous and easy just getting together and hanging out could be. Damn....I wish I had those times back, but once again grateful to have had them. Totally Blessed.

My mom and dad were more than just grandparents to my kids. They truly helped form and develop the fabric of the strong, independent, and successful young adults they are today. For that I'm grateful.

Okay....I realize I'm starting to blah, blah a little much, but cut me some slack....my mom just died.

I couldn't talk about my mom without bringing up her faith in Christ. I am grateful knowing my moms place in heaven was strongly secured many years ago as a believer. Her unwavering faith is what gave her incredible strength and grace through so many of life's trials and tribulations.

My mom was small in stature. She ALWAYS displayed such a warm smile and sunny disposition. That was just who she was. There was simply no one who didn't love my mom. Friends and family would always say what a saint Judy was for staying married to John for 50+ years. Don't get me wrong, I loved my dad too. He was a great man, husband and dad, but could definitely be a pain in the ass. Sorry Dad!!

Mom didn't have the BIG personality of me, my dad, and brother but what she did have was an inner faith and strength which was greater. She truly was the ROCK of our family. She was meek, mild, and humble. She never boasted, and very rarely lead by words. Unlike us 3 dumbasses, when it came to talking less was more. She lead our family with actions, deeds, and faith. Me, my dad, and bro always knew it, and would reluctantly get our butts in line.

I've said it before and I will say it one last time, Judy Grolig was the best darn mother a boy could ever ask for. Hands down, bar freaking none, and for that I am grateful.

Mom you ran a wonderful race. You ran it long, you ran it hard, you ran it strong, and you always ran it with grace. You planted good seed here during your time on earth. Me, and the kids will always cherish the times we had, and are grateful for what you instilled. We will always strive to make you proud. You made it easy for us. All we have to do is think "What would Judy do?"

"Well done good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:23.

Until I see you on the other side. I love you mom!!