Judith Gail Clarke Grohe

Judith Gail Clarke Grohe, born August 19, 1940, to Ruth Esther Farmer Clarke and Joseph Clarke, died peacefully on Monday May 30 at her home in Newburyport, MA, surrounded by her loved ones after triumphing over ovarian cancer for more than two years.

Judith leaves behind her beloved husband of 52 years, Stephen Foster Grohe; daughters Deborah Lynn and Laura Gail and Laura’s husband Christopher Cattel, and a granddaughter, Rachael Cattel. Judith is also survived by her brother, Dr. Gregory Clarke, and his wife Althea, of Marshfield, MA. Judith was a strong feminist and was proud of her feminist daughters and granddaughter.

Judith grew up in a close family within a wide family network in Woburn, MA. After graduating with a BA in literature from Middlebury College in 1962, she moved to what often felt like another world, in Boston’s South End. She met Stephen in Boston and they married in 1964. Judith took part in creating a neighborhood watch in the South End and was involved with Mel King’s campaign for mayor. Upon moving to Newburyport, Judith continued her lifelong commitment to community service as chair of the Community Preservation Coalition for Newburyport, where she was especially passionate about affordable housing and open space preservation.

Judith and Stephen ran a bed and breakfast in their South End home for 14 years. Also, she was the accountant for Stephen’s photographic business and other local businesses. She later served as church secretary at the First Parish in Brookline, Unitarian Universalist.

A music lover, Judith sang with gusto in various Unitarian Universalist church choirs and loved playing her piano.

Judith refused to accept the physical limits of aging and, to quote her daughter Deborah, she became a jock late in life, enjoying activities like rowing in Boston Harbor when she was in her 60’s. This enabled Judith to continue her active engagement with her community until the last weeks of her life.

Visiting hours will be from 1 to 8 pm on Sunday, June 12, at Judith and Stephen’s home in Newburyport. A memorial service will be announced later.