Obituary of Judith Grochowina

Judith A. Grochowina "Citizen's Advocate" Olean, NY-- Judith A. Grochowina, 71, of 517 E. Connell St. died Tuesday (May 8, 2012) in the Olean General Hospital while surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born November 30, 1940 in Eldred, PA and was raised by her mother Carrie Benjamin Simmons and her husband Albert Simmons. She received a degree from Alfred State College, Olean campus and began a career as a tireless, dedicated advocate for the less fortunate. First she worked for VISTA in Cattaraugus County and later moved to Buffalo where she was employed by Transitional Services through Erie County. In 1992 she returned to Olean, became trained in Home Health Care and continued in that profession until her retirement due to ill health. In keeping with her desire to help others, her home was always open to those who needed care and in the 1970's she took in Fresh Air children. At home she loved to make things and was always sewing, knitting and crocheting. Surviving are one daughter Carrie (Phillip, Jr.) Goodwill of Salamanca; three sons Thomas McDonald of Michigan, Frank McDonald of Olean and Kevin (Aggie) Hardy of Bradford, PA; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; two sisters Dorothea "Doty" Knapp of California and Rhonda Johnston of Great Valley; two brothers Thomas Johnston of Olean and Buster Simmons of Florida; several nieces and nephews and close friends Laurie (Lance) Blade of Olean, Cathryn Anderson Rosetti of Allegany and Dan Anderson of Allegany. She was predeceased by an infant son Jon Jay McDonald. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Saturday (May 12, 2012) from 1 to 3pm. Funeral and committal services will follow at 3pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in Norwich Cemetery, Colegrove, PA. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association 315 Alberta Drive Suite 102 Amherst, NY 14226 or to the charity of the donor's choice.