Juliette Alexandra Grabinski

Obituary Juliette A. (Ellingson) Grabinski February 10, 1921 - June 28, 2011 Judy Grabinski passed away peacefully on June 28th at Manor Care in Tacoma. She was born to Elmer and Jonette Ellingson in Parkland, WA and grew up with 8 siblings and her pet chickens. She attended Parkland Parochial School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1938. Judy was an outstanding student and very proud to be an excellent speller. During WWII, she proudly served her country as a Navy WAVE, decoding enemy messages. She was awarded a military commendation, which remained secret for many years due to its classified nature. After the war, Judy returned to Tacoma, where she met and married Dominic Grabinski in 1946. She and Dom settled into their beloved East "B" St. neighborhood where they raised four beautiful children. Judy loved being a hardworking homemaker and later worked at Gibson's Florist and then the Bon Marche men's clothing department, where she coordinated fashionable outfits for her many loyal customers. Judy was outgoing and quite sharp. Though she would never admit it, Judy's intelligence and memory equally matched her beauty and poise. As a long time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, she was very active and enjoyed serving in many capacities. Most of all, she will never be forgotten for her countless acts of kindness and wise advice to her family and friends and especially for many years of caring for her brother-in-law, Vince. Judy's willingness to help those in need in their most difficult moments will be her legacy. While at Manor Care, she was always uplifted by visits and calls from friends and family, especially Barb Hoston, Colleen Shapel, Dot Tippie and her friend since Kindergarten, Eleanor Martinson. Judy was predeceased by her husband Dominic, and is survived by her four children Barbara (New York City), Jerry, Nancy Grabinski-Young (Bruce Young) (University Place), and Jon (Julee) (Lynnwood), her four grandchildren Andy Hermsen, Elizabeth, Martin, and Davis Young, and great-grandchild Jax, and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. A Memorial Service will be held July 6th at 1:00 PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 101 E 38th St. Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Stars (Seniors) at 101 East 38th St., Tacoma 98404 or Tacoma Rescue Mission at 425 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma 98402. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.